Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reacted to the United States President, Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ following reports of alleged Christian genocide in the country.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, claimed that “radical Islamists” were responsible for widespread killings of Christians across Nigeria.
He subsequently designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” saying the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
Reacting, Sowore via his X handle on Saturday, warned Trump against reducing Nigeria’s insecurity situation to a religious issue.
He argued that Nigeria’s insecurity situation stems from decades of corruption, poor governance, and failed leadership.
The publisher of SaharaReporters emphasised that the country’s salvation lies in responsible leadership, not foreign intervention.
He said, “Nigeria should have long been cited as a Country of Concern for its persistent failure to protect its citizens. At every level, the state has failed to safeguard the vulnerable Christians, Muslims, and traditional believers alike. Children, women, students, workers, and the elderly have all suffered under the weight of corruption and illegitimate leadership.”
He expressed sympathy for Christian communities in some northern states who have faced recurring attacks, but also noted that Muslim populations in the north live under the same terror.
I recognise the pain of the Christian communities in Benue, Plateau, Gombe, and Kaduna, who continue to face relentless attacks, just as the Muslim populations in Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, and Yobe also need protection from marauding killers.
“Across the nation, Nigerians whipped by hunger, poverty, and displacement cry out for safety and dignity,” he said.
Sowore argued that while international attention may draw momentary relief, only genuine homegrown reform can end the cycle of violence and despair.
While international attention or special designations might bring temporary relief to some communities, the real solution lies within honest, courageous leadership that values human life and justice above politics.”
