Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on the United States and international community to intervene over the alleged burning of 11 villages in Kebbi State and the displacement of millions of Nigerians.
Hashim made the appeal during a meeting with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Friday, where he raised concerns about insecurity, religious persecution, ethnic discrimination and human rights violations in Nigeria.
He alleged that armed groups attacked communities in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State in April 2026, killing residents, destroying buildings and forcing families to flee.
Some of the affected communities reportedly include Kalkami, Tungar Bori and Kawara.
The presidential candidate urged the international community to pay attention to the destruction of the villages and the suffering of residents affected by insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
He also argued that religious persecution in Nigeria extends beyond attacks on Christians, alleging that Shia Muslims, minority Islamic groups and some Hausa Muslim communities face discrimination and exclusion.
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Hashim further called for the immediate release of Hausa cultural activist, Bishiia Maisango, whom he claimed had remained in detention without trial despite losing his employment with the Department of State Services (DSS).
He stressed that the government must respect fundamental human rights and constitutional protections, regardless of people’s ethnic, cultural or religious backgrounds.
On the humanitarian crisis, Hashim cited about 3.68 million internally displaced persons in Nigeria, referencing UNHCR figures from October 2026.
He said displaced persons from different religious and ethnic communities deserved equal attention and protection.
The Accord Party candidate also accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately protect citizens and hold those responsible for killings, destruction of communities and forced displacement accountable.
He warned that Nigeria’s security and religious freedom challenges required urgent attention as the country approaches another political transition.
Hashim also acknowledged US President Donald Trump’s interest in religious freedom issues, insisting that protecting religious liberty remains an important responsibility of democratic governments.
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