Olawepo-Hashim seeks global intervention over 3.68m displaced Nigerians

File photo: Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim

The presidential candidate of the Accord, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has raised the alarm over the plight of 3.68 million internally displaced persons in Nigeria, calling for increased international intervention to address insecurity, religious persecution and ethnic discrimination.

Hashim also called for the immediate release of a Hausa cultural activist, Maisango, whom he alleged was being detained unlawfully by the Department of State Services.

According to a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, Olawepo-Hashim made the demands during an engagement with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom on Friday.

Citing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees figures, Hashim put Nigeria’s internally displaced population at approximately 3.68 million as of October 2026.

He argued that the humanitarian crisis cut across religious and ethnic boundaries, adding that displaced Hausa communities deserved greater international attention.

He also drew the commission’s attention to reported attacks and the burning of 11 villages in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, urging the international community not to ignore the plight of affected communities.

He mentioned Kalkami, Tungar Bori and Kawara communities in Shanga LGA, where suspected bandits reportedly killed residents, burnt buildings and forced inhabitants to flee during attacks in April 2026.

He described reports of 11 villages being burnt as alarming, alleging that some armed groups operating in the area were more interested in killing residents, destroying settlements and taking control of territories than pursuing religious conversion.

Olawepo-Hashim acknowledged that Christians in Northern Nigeria faced persecution but argued that religious intolerance in the country extended beyond the Christian-Muslim divide.

He identified Shia Muslims, minority Islamic sects and some Hausa Muslim communities as groups experiencing persecution, exclusion and discrimination.

He said, “Nigeria’s religious freedom crisis goes beyond the conventional Christian-Muslim divide,” arguing that ethnic identity and cultural affiliation also influenced religious and social acceptance in some communities.

The Accord chieftain particularly demanded Maisango’s release, alleging that the activist had remained in detention without trial despite reportedly being dismissed from his employment with the DSS.

He said the continued detention raised concerns about respect for fundamental human rights and due process.

The presidential candidate also accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately protect vulnerable communities and decisively confront armed groups.

He warned against allowing the country’s security and religious freedom challenges to deteriorate further as Nigeria approaches another political transition.

The politician further criticised what he described as inadequate accountability under the present administration, alleging that political interests had weakened the government’s response to terrorism and other forms of armed violence.

The United States designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern in October 2025, following earlier recommendations by the USCIRF, which also called for the designation in its 2026 recommendations.

Olawepo-Hashim urged the commission to adopt an inclusive approach to religious freedom concerns in Nigeria, insisting that the experiences of Christians, Shia Muslims, Hausa communities and other vulnerable groups should receive equal attention.

He commended the commission for its work on religious freedom in Nigeria and US President Donald Trump’s interest in the issue, describing religious freedom as “an intrinsic part of democratic rights.”