Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has faced backlash from supporters of the Obidient movement after he rejected claims suggesting a “Christian genocide” is taking place in Nigeria. Sowore described the narrative as a piece of foreign-sponsored misinformation designed to divide Nigerians and stir unrest in the country.
In a video that went viral on Monday, Sowore explained that terrorism in Nigeria affects everyone, regardless of religion or background. He noted that northern Nigeria has seen many Muslim victims of attacks as well.
“The children, men, and women being attacked are not profiled by the holy book they hold — whether Bible or Qur’an — they are Nigerians,” he said.
Sowore’s comments echoed a recent statement by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which also rejected the idea of a religious genocide. The group said that while killings and attacks continue to occur across the nation, they are not targeted at any faith group but rather a result of the general security challenges Nigeria faces.
However, many Obidient supporters online have criticized both Sowore and CAN, accusing them of siding with the government and trying to cover up the truth. Some observers believe the outrage is politically motivated and part of an ongoing attempt by opposition supporters to use religion as a political weapon.