Olushola Omogbehin
Following the protest of members of the South-West leadership of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria in Lagos State and other parts of the country, against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, United States Government has issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria.
US authorities disclosed in a statement on Monday, that Americans abroad should be vigilant in the wake of ongoing military operations involving Iran.
“Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the advisory stated.
US Department of State advised citizens worldwide to take great caution as Americans could experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures linked to the unfolding crisis.
The department also urged Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive timely security updates and to follow the ‘US Department of State Security Updates for U.S. Citizens’ WhatsApp channel for further information.
The security alert was a result of the confirmation of the death of Ali Khamenei with several high-ranking Iranian officials by Iranian state and local media, after airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
Report also said that Iran in reaction launched multiple missiles targeting U.S. bases in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia with a vow to avenge the death of its Supreme Leader and officials.
Also in many parts of Nigeria, such as Bauchi and Yobe, thousands of Shi’ite Muslims marched through many local government on Sunday to mourn the death of their spiritual leader in Iran.
Demonstrators were seen carried portraits of Khamenei, waved Iranian flags, and burnt the flags of the United States and Israel in a dramatic display of grief and defiance.
Punch reports that one of their leaders called Abdullahi Hassan, told the crowd that:
“We are shocked and devastated over the killing of our leader. This is a painful moment not only for us in Yobe but for Shiites across the world. Yet we will not be broken. We will continue to stand firm, and our voices will not be silenced. This is the beginning of our victory, and we will honour the legacy of our leader in every action we take.”
