Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria staged a pro-Palestine demonstration in Bauchi, describing the rally as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians affected by ongoing conflicts.
Participants said the march was part of activities marking the annual Quds Day observance, a global event held on the final Friday of Ramadan to highlight the Palestinian cause and draw international attention to their situation.
Speaking to journalists during the demonstration on Friday, Ahmad Yashi, representing the group, explained that the rally was organised to support Palestinians, who he said had endured decades of occupation and hardship.
“This is a known demonstration held on the last Friday of every Ramadan across the world under the Quds Day platform,” Yashi said.
“It is meant to show support and sympathy for Palestinians who have been under invasion for about eight decades.”
The group, loyal to Ibrahim Zakzaky, also used the occasion to comment on wider geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Yashi argued that any attempt to eliminate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would worsen the crisis rather than bring stability to the region.
“We are with Iran in heart and soul. They are targeting the Iranian Supreme Leader to make the country surrender, but they are mistaken,” he said.
“The Supreme Leader, as a religious authority, is among those working to reduce tensions.”
He further described Islam as a peaceful religion but blamed Western powers for what he characterised as ongoing instability in global affairs.
“Islam is a peaceful religion, but the West is the problem. They are selfish and want everyone to bow to them. That will not happen; those days are gone,” Yashi added.
According to him, the movement had earlier organised a separate peaceful rally in support of Iran amid rising regional tensions.
“We conducted a peaceful demonstration in support of Iran, and every Muslim must take a side in this war. You are either with the righteous or with the oppressors,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Police Command confirmed that security personnel monitored the demonstration to ensure public safety and prevent disruptions.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, deployed officers to protect government facilities across the metropolis ahead of the protest.
Habib noted that security operatives closely observed the rally and reported no incidents throughout the exercise.
“Until now, there is no report of any breakdown of law and order,” he said.
