According to a report by Punch on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, along with other Islamic leaders, has advised Nigerians to be cautious about participating in protests they do not fully understand. The clerics warned that such demonstrations can easily be taken over by individuals who intend to trigger violence or cause destruction.
The caution was issued during the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir and Iftar programme held at Lagos House in Ikeja. The message was delivered by the National Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad, who spoke on behalf of the League of Chief Imams.
During the event, the religious leaders addressed recent street demonstrations connected to the reported killing of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei following military strikes involving the United States and Israel. Some members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria had earlier staged protests in Lagos to show solidarity over developments in the Middle East.
The clerics urged Nigerians not to allow conflicts occurring in other regions of the world to disrupt the country’s peace. They emphasized that even protests that begin peacefully can quickly escalate if individuals with harmful intentions infiltrate the gatherings.
Sheikh Ahmad also referred to the 2020 EndSARS protests, noting that although the movement initially began as a campaign against police brutality, it eventually resulted in widespread destruction in several communities.
According to him, while many people may protest with good intentions, they must also consider the possible consequences of their actions. He therefore encouraged citizens to avoid activities that could lead to unrest or instability.
He stressed that people should not take part in demonstrations without fully understanding the issues involved. Ahmad described the crisis in the Middle East as a period of fitnah (discord), adding that it is a moment for reflection and prayer rather than protests.See_More…