A Nigerian cleric and public commentator, Rev. Tony Uzor, has criticised what he described as “double standards” in the country’s security and justice systems, following reports of deadly attacks in parts of Kwara State and the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a strongly worded opinion piece released this week, Uzor alleged that large-scale violence in rural communities does not receive the same level of public outrage or institutional response as political dissent and separatist agitation. He argued that warnings and controversial political speeches are often punished more severely than acts of violence.
The cleric referenced reported attacks in the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kwara State, claiming that many residents were killed during raids by armed groups. He criticised what he described as limited national attention and questioned the speed and intensity of government responses compared with enforcement actions against IPOB activities.
According to Uzor, the contrast highlights deeper divisions within Nigeria’s political and media environment. He accused sections of the press and political establishment of applying different standards when covering violent incidents versus separatist rhetoric, particularly in discussions involving Biafra agitation.
The commentary also revisited the November 2025 life imprisonment sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu by a Federal High Court in Abuja over terrorism-related charges linked to his broadcasts and pro-Biafra activities. Uzor argued that Kanu was punished primarily for his words and political views, while, in his opinion, perpetrators of violence often evade swift justice.
He further claimed that debates around national unity and law enforcement have overshadowed broader conversations about civilian protection and the country’s ongoing security challenges. The cleric concluded by urging Nigerians to re-examine their moral priorities and hold authorities accountable for safeguarding lives.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not publicly responded to Uzor’s latest claims. Authorities have repeatedly maintained that Kanu’s conviction followed due legal process, while the federal government has continued to deploy troops and security operations in regions facing armed attacks.
Observers note that Nigeria’s security situation remains complex, with multiple armed groups and political tensions contributing to ongoing national debates about justice, free speech and public safety.