Nigerians have flooded social media with criticism over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s lack of response to a recent mass killing in Benue State. Many citizens accuse the presidency of paying more attention to foreign matters than to the urgent security challenges within the country.
The outrage was triggered after President Tinubu sent a condolence message on June 13 to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing sympathy over a plane crash that killed 270 people. His swift reaction to the international tragedy was in stark contrast to his silence on a brutal attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 100 people were reportedly killed on the same weekend.
Nigerians Demand Domestic Accountability
The apparent double standard has stirred strong emotions, particularly on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), where many users questioned the federal government’s priorities.
One user, @UnkleAyo, commented:
“Over 200 people were massacred in Benue, and there’s still no word from the president. Yet, he quickly issued condolences to India. Where is the compassion for your own people?”
Similarly, @OurFavOnlineDoc wrote:
“The president reacted to an Indian tragedy within 24 hours, but has remained silent about mass killings in his own country days later. This is deeply troubling.”
Some questioned the administration’s commitment to Nigerian lives.
“How many Nigerian lives must be lost before the government speaks up?” asked @aproko_doctor. “Do our lives even matter to them?”
Calls for Leadership and Compassion
Residents and human rights advocates have described the attack in Yelwata as one of the deadliest in Benue’s recent history. Despite this, the presidency has yet to acknowledge the incident, deepening public frustration.
@patrickanum expressed concern over the ongoing violence:
“Benue is turning into a graveyard under this administration. Communities are being destroyed, and still no official response.”
Another critic, @IamTheTownCrier, took aim at the ruling party:
“A government’s main duty is to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The APC has failed on all fronts.”
Widening Gap Between Government and Citizens
The federal government’s silence has intensified perceptions of disconnection from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, especially in conflict-prone regions.
@dangbanamanager remarked:
“Two hundred people killed, and not even a statement from the authorities. It’s like we’re watching the collapse of our nation in silence.”
Others highlighted a misplaced national focus, where foreign affairs overshadow domestic tragedies.
“It’s alarming how Nigerians are more concerned about events abroad than the violence happening right here,” said @Ugochukwu_96.
No Official Statement Issued
At the time of this report, the official account of the Nigerian presidency, @NGRPresident, has not released any statement on the Benue attack.
This ongoing silence continues to fuel public anger, as citizens demand leadership that prioritizes the lives and safety of Nigerians above foreign relations.
