PHOTOS: Shi’ites stage pro-Iran protest at Abuja National Mosque

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites, staged a protest at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday in support of Iran.

The demonstrators had attended the regular Jumat prayer at the mosque before launching the protest within the premises.

Witnesses said the group began chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they gathered in large numbers shortly after the prayers.

The crowd reportedly swelled to about 200 people within minutes.

The protesters carried out chants condemning the United States and Israel while declaring their support for Iran, shouting slogans such as “Shame to America,” “Shame to Israel,” and “We support Iran.”

Similar demonstrations were also reported at the Idimota Central Mosque in Lagos, as well as on the streets of Kaduna and Bauchi states.

The protests come amid rising tensions in the Middle East following a recent escalation of conflict in the region.

Last week, members of the Shi’ite group also staged protests in several states over reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, during recent U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran.