Grief travelled faster than traffic on Sunday evening in Gombe.

What began as hushed conversations outside a Shi’a religious centre soon swelled into chants, placards and a solemn procession through the streets.

Triggered by reports of an alleged attack on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria poured into roads in Gombe, Bauchi and Kano — their message emotional, but their conduct measured.

In Tudun Wadan Pantami, Gombe metropolis, the air carried more than the usual murmur of post-prayer conversations.

It carried grief.

Men in flowing robes, young boys clutching small placards, and women standing in quiet clusters gathered outside their religious centre.

Some spoke in hushed tones; others stared into the distance.

A few wiped tears from their eyes.

Word had spread through their networks about an alleged attack on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

For them, it was not just a geopolitical headline,it felt personal.

Soon, the murmurs turned into chants.

Members of the Shi’a Islamic Movement in Nigeria, many of them loyal to Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, began a peaceful procession through parts of Gombe.

Their march was orderly, but the emotion was unmistakable.

At the head of the procession stood Sheikh Muhammad Abbari, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

When he addressed the gathering, the crowd fell silent, especially as the gathering stopped at Sabon line as it proceeded to BCGA area.

“We strongly condemn any attack on a religious and political leader of such standing,” he said.

“However, we urge our followers to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding in the expression of their concerns.” His words seemed carefully chosen, anger tempered with caution.

“Our action today is purely peaceful.

We are here to register our grievances and show solidarity, nothing more,” Abbari added.

The crowd responded with chants of solidarity.

Some raised their fists in the air; others raised their placards.

Yet even amid the intensity, there was discipline.

Organisers moved along the lines, urging participants to maintain order and avoid confrontation.

For many in the procession, the bond with Iran’s clerical leadership is spiritual and ideological.

The IMN, which traces its inspiration to the Iranian Revolution, has long expressed solidarity with Tehran on global issues affecting the Muslim world.

In Gombe, 28-year-old Sadiq Ahmed, said he felt compelled to join the march.

“You may not understand what he represents to us,” he said quietly.

“He is not just a political leader.

He is a religious authority.

When something happens to him, it feels like it has happened to all of us.” Sadiq clutched a white handkerchief as he spoke.

Around him, other protesters nodded in agreement.

Yet amid the solidarity, there was restraint.

The Gombe State Police Command had deployed officers across strategic points in the metropolis.

Patrol vehicles moved slowly along adjoining roads, their presence visible but not intrusive.

DSP Buhari Abdullahi, spokesperson for the command, later confirmed the deployment.

“We have deployed men in order to monitor their activities in the state, we are always ready to give them usual coverage.

We have never had negative encounter with the members in Gombe,” Abdullahi said.

He acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation.

“You know it’s religious in nature so there is need to be extra careful.

We are confident that they will conduct their activities in a peaceful manner.” By dusk, the procession dispersed without incident.

But the emotional energy of the day lingered.

Same scenario in Bauchi Nearly 150 kilometres away in Bauchi, a similar scene unfolded.

Outside mosques and along major roads in Bauchi metropolis, members of the IMN gathered in quiet defiance.

Some carried white flags.

Others held banners condemning the alleged attack.

The mood was sober, yet resolute.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed that the demonstration remained peaceful throughout.

“Like every Nigerian individual or group, the Shi’ites have the right to peaceful demonstration.

We are aware that yesterday they conducted the same in Bauchi,” said the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib.

“What we witnessed was peaceful, and up till now, we have not recorded any breakdown of law and order,” he added.

On the sidelines of the protest, Ahmad Yashi, speaking on behalf of the group,....