Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s silence on the recent massacre in Benue State, accusing the presidency of prioritising international diplomacy over domestic security.
The backlash followed President Tinubu’s June 13 condolence message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a deadly plane crash in India that claimed the lives of 270 people.
While the message was issued less than 24 hours after the incident, the presidency has yet to acknowledge or comment on a terrorist attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 100 people were reportedly killed on Friday.
The contrast has sparked anger and disbelief among Nigerians, especially on where many users condemned the federal government’s perceived indifference to the plight of its citizens.
“Charity begins at home”
One user, @UnkleAyo, wrote: “It’s been more than 24 hours since 200 people were slaughtered in Benue, a people under the country you claim to preside over. Nothing from you yet but this was you to India. Cursed may you be.”
Echoing the sentiment, @OurFavOnlineDoc said: “The Nigerian president sent commiseration to the prime minister of India within 24 hours of the plane crash… Yet it is over 48 hours that 200 people are reportedly butchered by terrorists in Benue and the president says nothing. What an inhuman lunatic.”
Others questioned the value of Nigerian lives in the eyes of their government. “200 lives lost in Benue. 200 futures cut short… What is the value of a single Nigerian life?” asked @aproko_doctor.
Calls for accountability and empathy
Benue residents and activists have described the Yelwata attack as one of the worst in the state’s history since 2009.
@patrickanum decried the silence from the presidency: “Under Tinubu’s watch, Benue State has become a killing field. Villages wiped out, lives lost, yet silence from the Commander-in-Chief.”
Another user, @IamTheTownCrier, criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of focusing more on political endorsements than citizen welfare: “The primary purpose of any Government is the security and welfare of its citizens. APC has failed Nigerians in all ramifications.”
Public anger deepens
The silence from Aso Rock has further fuelled allegations that the federal government is disconnected from the everyday realities of Nigerians, especially in conflict-prone regions like Benue.
@dangbanamanager lamented: “200 innocent people butchered, and not a word from the government… You’re watching your own destruction in real time, and still refuse to raise your voice.”
Meanwhile, some users criticised the misplaced priorities of Nigerians, pointing out how global issues often receive more attention than local tragedies. “It’s very funny how Nigerians are more interested in what is happening in faraway Iran and Israel, while ignoring what is happening in our own country,” tweeted @Ugochukwu_96.
No response from presidency
As of the time of this report, the official handle of the Nigerian presidency, @NGRPresident, has not released any statement concerning the Benue killings.
The silence stands in stark contrast to the swift reaction to international events and continues to draw sharp criticism from citizens demanding empathy, leadership, and action from their government.
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