Sowore Faults Nigerian Security Chiefs Over ‘Explanatory Visit’ To U.S. Congressman, Says Genoc!de Targets All Nigerians
Sowore Faults Nigerian Security Chiefs Over ‘Explanatory Visit’ To U.S. Congressman, Says Genocide Targets All Nigerians
Speaking during an interview on Voice of the People Television (VOP TV), Sowore warned that Nigeria is facing what he described as “genocide,” insisting that both Muslims and Christians are being slaughtered, contrary to attempts to frame the crisis as a religious conflict.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused Nigeria’s security chiefs and political leaders of abandoning their core responsibilities as the country reels under daily killings, mass abductions, and rising terrorist attacks.
Speaking during an interview on Voice of the People Television (VOP TV), Sowore warned that Nigeria is facing what he described as “genocide,” insisting that both Muslims and Christians are being slaughtered, contrary to attempts to frame the crisis as a religious conflict.
Sowore was reacting to a recent U.S. Congress hearing where the Tinubu administration’s Muslim–Muslim ticket was mentioned as a factor allegedly fueling political tensions and perceived Christian marginalisation.
But Sowore dismissed the narrative, arguing that 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.”
Sowore condemned the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, and Chief of Defence Staff for travelling to the United States to hold meetings with a single congressman over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
“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.
According to him, Nigeria’s insecurity challenge 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, Sowore 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.”
Sowore dismissed theories linking the resurgence in terrorism and bandit attacks to political maneuvering 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.”
Although he supports international collaboration, Sowore criticised the government’s dependence 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.
