Several prominent Nigerians have blasted President Bola Tinubu’s administration for failing to halt the ongoing killings in Benue State and the worsening insecurity across the country
Among those speaking out are former presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Senate President David Mark, and musician-activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.
Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, condemned what he described as a shocking lack of empathy from the federal government. He said that over 200 people were recently murdered in Benue State without any physical visit or public condolences from the President.
“Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians—innocent men, women, children, and even soldiers—were massacred in Benue State,” Obi said. “Again, no presidential visit. No physical presence at the scenes of pain. No genuine national mourning. No leadership face to comfort the grieving or give hope to the people.”
Obi also pointed to the devastating floods in Niger State, which reportedly killed nearly 200 people, saying the government failed to act.
“Not even a single presidential visit, this in a nation where the scene of the tragedy is less than an hour away by helicopter,” he noted.
Leadership Without Compassion, Critics Say
Obi argued that Nigeria’s leadership has become cold and detached, lacking compassion and responsibility. He compared the Nigerian government’s behaviour with how leaders in other nations respond to tragedies.
“In India, after a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, the Prime Minister was physically at the scene within hours. In South Africa, when floods claimed 78 lives, the president went personally to the affected communities, stood with them, and took responsibility,” he said.
Obi added that true leadership means showing up in times of crisis and showing that lives matter. He blamed poor leadership on Nigeria’s habit of voting based on religion or tribe rather than character or ability.
“There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion,” he stated.
He encouraged Nigerians to vote for leaders who reflect those values, warning that “until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue.”
David Mark Warns Against Self-Defense Culture
Former Senate President David Mark also expressed anger over the killings, especially in Benue State. Over the weekend, more than 200 residents of Guma Local Government Area were reportedly murdered.
Mark described the violence as “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable”, stressing that it is the duty of any government to secure the lives of its citizens.
He warned that if the killings continue unchecked, people may be forced to defend themselves.
“This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with. Government must rise to its responsibility, or risk leaving the people with no option but to defend themselves,” he said.
Mark called on the federal authorities to urgently fulfil their constitutional mandate to protect lives and properties.
Falz Blasts Tinubu’s Repeated Silence
Popular rapper Falz also joined the criticism, accusing President Tinubu of failing in his primary duty. The artiste responded to the President’s social media message about the Benue massacre by calling it inadequate.
“You have consistently shown that you are incapable of performing the primary duty of securing lives and property of your citizens,” he said. “This routine statement does not cut it.”
Falz also posted another message, lamenting the lack of national concern for the lives lost in Benue.
“Over 200 senselessly slain and burnt alive in Benue and this is not even getting close to enough attention. Why are we so wicked to ourselves?” he asked.
So far, there has been no official announcement of any visit or direct address by President Tinubu regarding the latest round of Benue killings.
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