Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a Shiite Muslim group led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, took to the streets of Niger State on Sunday to protest reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following military strikes by the United States and Israel, local media say.

Dozens of demonstrators mobilised shortly after news of the alleged killing spread on social media. They marched through parts of Minna and other towns chanting solidarity slogans and anti-US and anti-Israel messages, while waving Iranian flags and placards bearing images of Khamenei as well as calls for support for the Iranian people.

The IMN protesters described the reported killing as an act of “global injustice and imperial aggression”, condemning what they say were foreign military actions that led to the leader’s death and expressing sorrow over the loss. They also pledged unwavering support for Iran and urged solidarity with Shiite communities worldwide.

Organisers appealed for peaceful demonstrations and urged participants to avoid violence, even as the protest drew attention from residents and passers-by. As of the time of reporting there were no verified reports of clashes with security forces or arrests.

Protests linked to the reported killing have also been reported in other northern Nigerian states including Kano and Kaduna, where Shiite groups have similarly displayed portraits and expressed grief while calling for diplomatic solutions to the unfolding crisis in the Middle East.