Shehu Sani faults Nigerians' selective sympathy by religion, tribe
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani today called out Nigerians for letting religious and ethnic identity dictate their sympathy for victims of violence. In a post on X, Sani said his 15-year observation shows people often wait to learn a victim's faith or tribe before deciding whether to express outrage or compassion.
"The degree of our outrage or empathy is determined by whether the victims are from our religious faith, sect or ethnicity," he wrote. Sani described the pattern as a disturbing reflection of Nigeria's collective humanity, urging citizens to condemn all violence equally regardless of who the victims are.
His remarks come amid ongoing banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes across multiple states. Sani maintains every victim deserves equal sympathy and condemnation of attacks against them.
When the next attack trends, will your first reaction be grief—or a background check on the victims?