As Nigerians continue to criticise President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the killings of Christians in the North, human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has urged pastors across the country to “practice what they preach” by returning police escorts to the government so the officers can be redeployed to strengthen national security.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adeyanju faulted religious leaders who pray against kidnapping and insecurity while moving around with heavy police protection.

He argued that the security personnel attached to pastors could be reassigned to protect vulnerable communities and the wider population.

He maintained that pastors should stop praying for solutions that, in his view, fall squarely within the responsibilities of the government elected to secure the nation.

Adeyanju also advised Nigerians to be more critical of religious messages that divert attention from the failures of governance. Citing Israel’s sophisticated defence system, the Iron Dome, he noted that modern nations protect citizens through concrete security infrastructure rather than relying solely on prayers.

“And stop allowing some pastors to use your head. Israel has IRON DOME to protect its citizens,” he added.

His comments follow recent violent attacks in different parts of the country. On Tuesday, armed bandits attacked worshippers at CAC Church Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Kwara State, leaving three people dead and abducting several others. Similarly, more than 25 female students were kidnapped in Kebbi State, where the vice principal of the school was also killed.