Failed Leadership, Not Religion Behind Rising Killings, Abductions — Sowore

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigeria’s security chiefs and political leaders of abandoning their responsibilities as the country battles daily killings, mass abductions and escalating terrorist attacks.

Speaking in an interview on Voice of the People Television (VOP TV), Sowore warned that Nigeria is witnessing what he called “genocide,” stressing that both Muslims and Christians are being killed despite attempts to portray the crisis as a religious conflict.

He was reacting to a recent U.S. Congress hearing where the Tinubu administration’s Muslim–Muslim ticket was mentioned as a factor allegedly fuelling political tension and perceived Christian marginalisation.

Sowore dismissed the narrative, insisting the killings are indiscriminate.

“This is genocide. Be very clear about that. But the genocide is not directed at Christians alone; it is directed at Muslims too,” he said.

“The girls abducted in Kebbi were mostly Muslims. There’s another abduction in Niger State, at a Catholic school. You’ll be surprised some of the students there are Muslims as well. Terrorists don’t check your religion before abducting you.”

He condemned the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser and Chief of Defence Staff for travelling to the United States to meet a single congressman over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

“Imagine: the IG, NSA and CDS all went to the U.S. to meet a House of Representatives member, a congressman. That’s how bad things are. You have over 50,000 armed policemen in this country, but instead of leading them, you run to America to explain yourself,” he said.

Sowore argued that Nigeria’s insecurity problem is rooted in incompetence and failed leadership, not religion.

Responding to claims raised at the U.S. hearing that Nigeria’s Constitution mandates religious balancing in the presidency, he said, “Show me where the Constitution says if the president is Muslim, the vice must be Christian. It’s not there. It is political party practice, not law.”

He also dismissed theories linking the resurgence in terrorism and bandit attacks to political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Politicians are terrible enough to do anything to win elections, we know that. But conspiracy theories only give government excuses not to work,” he said.

“You are Commander-in-Chief. Send your military to work or resign. As Prince Adebayo said: if he can’t protect Nigeria with the bullet, he should reach for the pen.”

While supporting international cooperation, Sowore criticised the government’s reliance on foreign intervention.

“Americans tried to help rescue the Chibok girls. Some are still in the bush because we are not a serious people.

Stop waiting for America, develop your own capacity, even in churches, some of you are still waiting for Jesus Christ to come and give you electricity. Help yourselves,” he added.