Afrobeats star Omah Lay has stirred a nationwide debate after declaring that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity cannot be solved by prayer alone. In a blunt message on his social media page, the singer urged citizens to wake up and take responsibility for demanding change.

“No Jesus, no Allah, no prayer is saving us,” he wrote. “Nothing changes until we wake up.”

His comments come amid mounting public anger over violent incidents, including the attack on a church in Kwara and the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Celebrities such as Don Jazzy, Davido, Falz, and Mr Macaroni have also urged government authorities to take urgent action.

Omah Lay argued that constant appeals to religion without concrete pressure on leaders have allowed the country’s challenges to worsen. According to him, citizens must hold the government accountable rather than retreating into prayer whenever tragedy strikes.

His remarks triggered a social media storm, with many agreeing that Nigeria needs structural reforms, while others accused him of disrespecting religious sentiments.

Meanwhile, actress Bolaji Ogunmola shared her own fears over rising killings, saying she often considers leaving the country but remains because her family is still here. She described Nigeria as home — a place she cannot abandon despite growing insecurity.

As the debate spreads, Omah Lay’s post has ignited fresh conversations on governance, civic responsibility, and the limits of religious responses to national crises.