Northern youths in Katsina State recently staged a protest in support of Iran amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, a demonstration that has sparked debate given the severe security challenges facing their own region.
Pro-Iran Protest in Katsina
On Sunday, a large group of youths marched through the streets of Katsina city waving Iranian flags and chanting slogans in solidarity with Iran. The protest came in the context of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which intensified dramatically in April 2025 after Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes on Israeli territory following an Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus that killed senior Iranian commanders. Israel responded with strikes inside Iran, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Katsina’s Security Crisis: A Grim Reality
Meanwhile, Katsina State continues to grapple with a severe security crisis caused by armed bandits and terrorists. According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), from May 2023 to May 2025:
- Over 294 people were killed and 306 abducted in Katsina by armed groups.
- In April 2025, armed bandits killed several people and abducted 50 in Dandume Local Government Area.
- In June 2025 alone, at least 24 people, including 20 farmers, were killed in separate attacks in Kankara Local Government Area. The Nigerian military rescued 19 people from kidnappers during this period.
- In January 2025, bandits attacked Baure village in Safana Local Government Area, killing 21 people and kidnapping others.
The violence has been exacerbated by the displacement of bandits from Zamfara State due to intensified military operations, pushing them into Katsina’s forests and increasing attacks on local communities.
Is the Protest a Misplaced Priority?
The protest supporting Iran has raised questions about priorities in Katsina, where many communities are living under constant threat from violent attacks and kidnappings. While the youths’ solidarity with Iran reflects awareness of global geopolitical issues, critics argue that the immediate and pressing security challenges at home demand urgent attention and action.
The contrast between the international focus of the protest and the local reality of violence and insecurity highlights the complex dynamics facing youths in Katsina. It underscores a tension between engaging with global political causes and addressing critical local humanitarian crises that affect their families and communities daily.
Conclusion
The Katsina youths’ pro-Iran demonstration illustrates the interconnectedness of global and local issues but also raises important questions about focus and priorities amid a dire security situation. As Katsina continues to suffer from deadly attacks and abductions, the urgent need remains for effective security measures and humanitarian support to protect its people from ongoing violence.
