Popular gospel singer, Adeyinka Alaseyori, has come under criticism after urging Nigerians to intensify prayers amid growing concerns over insecurity and the recent abduction of schoolchildren in parts of the country.
Speaking during an Instagram Live session on Monday, the singer said while the government and security agencies were making efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges, spiritual intervention through prayers remained essential.
According to Alaseyori, who was still basking in the euphoria of her ‘Mo M’ore’ remix hit, security operations do not always yield immediate results, noting that operatives deployed to track criminals may sometimes face challenges in locating them during spiritual challenge.
“We need to pray. You can’t say the President and our armed forces are not working, they’re working. They might have sent security agents to the forest and something will just cover their eyes and won’t allow them see the terrorists, that’s where prayers come in,” she said.
Her remarks quickly generated reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians arguing that the worsening security situation required decisive action from authorities rather than calls for prayer alone.
Reacting to the singer’s comments, X user @Hotmediavibes wrote: “Prayers only can’t tackle insecurities at the moment.”
Another user, @ermarc2000, questioned the effectiveness of relying on prayers to address national challenges.
“Prayers don’t make nations great, it is people and excellent leaders that do that. Show us one nation that was built through prayers. Prayers didn’t build China or Israel, hard work did. So stop all these prayers things and work,” the user stated.
Similarly, @amaloversclub advised the gospel artiste to focus on her music career while allowing government officials to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
“Focus on your singing. Let the prayer warriors focus on their prayers. And let the government do what they are elected for,” the user wrote.
The debate came amid heightened public concern over persistent cases of kidnapping, banditry and attacks on schools across parts of Nigeria, with citizens increasingly demanding stronger security measures and swift action to protect lives and property.
