Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigerians have unleashed a wave of criticism against President Bola Tinubu following his statement on the brutal massacre of over 200 people in Yelwata, Benue State, on June 13-14, 2025.

The attack, widely blamed on suspected armed herders, targeted mostly internally displaced persons sheltered at a Catholic mission. Across social media and civil society, citizens have slammed the president’s response as cold, tardy, and misguided, particularly for suggesting reconciliation with those many call terrorists.

Tinubu’s statement, issued late on Sunday, June 15, through his media aide Bayo Onanuga, condemned the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress” and instructed security chiefs to restore order in Benue. He also urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to convene “reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties” to foster peace between farmers, herders, and communities.

But the remarks have sparked outrage, with many pointing out the president’s 48-hour silence after the tragedy, especially when global figures like Pope Leo XIV had already spoken out. The Pope, during his Sunday Angelus on June 15, prayed for the victims, calling the attack a “terrible massacre” and urging “security, justice, and peace” in Nigeria. Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the killings on June 14, amplifying the issue internationally.

On X, Nigerians expressed frustration over the delay. “Tinubu’s government is the true definition of eye service, rushing to comment on foreign issues for global attention, but mute when Benue people are being slaughtered,” wrote @AdaIgbo00.

The tone of Tinubu’s statement has drawn particular scorn, with critics arguing it lacked compassion for the victims’ families or acknowledgment of the attack’s brutality against defenseless women, children, and displaced persons. “That statement from Tinubu would crush the hearts of Benue people instead of soothing them,” posted @Chiemela.

“Calling it a conflict, talking about reconciliation, people making inflammatory statements, and reprisal? For people murdered in their sleep? I couldn’t believe what I was reading.”

The call for reconciliation has been especially contentious, with many rejecting the idea of dialogue with perpetrators of such violence. “Tinubu may be the most callous, insensitive, incompetent president in the world,” wrote @SamdGreat01.

“200 of your citizens were murdered by terrorists in Benue, and 48 hrs after you’re telling us you have been briefed… You released a statement shifting responsibilities on others.”

Civil society groups have echoed these sentiments. The Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria referenced Tinubu’s earlier insensitivity during a Yobe attack, accusing him of prioritizing foreign trips over domestic crises.

Catholic priests in Makurdi Diocese, who have lost over 15 parishes to attacks, called on Tinubu to declare war on the perpetrators rather than advocate for dialogue. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, which previously criticized the government for failing to protect lives, condemned the “utterly barbaric” attacks, accusing federal and state authorities of neglecting their duty.

The contrast with Pope Leo XIV’s swift and heartfelt response has deepened public frustration. The Pope’s remarks, delivered before a global audience at the Vatican, underscored the targeting of rural Christian communities, while Tinubu’s delayed reaction has been seen as evidence of his disconnect. “Even the Pope reacted before our own president,” one X user lamented.

Demands for action are growing louder, with many calling for a state of emergency in Benue to address the escalating violence. The Guardian Nigeria reported, “Even though President Tinubu spoke out on Sunday, people say his words are not enough.”

Critics argue his directive to security chiefs and call for reconciliation meetings sidestep the root causes, including allegations of security forces’ complicity. Catholic priests in Benue have accused the military of inaction, noting attacks near checkpoints.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspected cybercriminal and identity thief, Umar Yau, popularly known as “Snake,” over his alleged involvement in a string of online scams that defrauded multiple victims.

According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakil, the 25-year-old suspect, a resident of Yelwan Makaranta in Bauchi metropolis, was apprehended following a technology-led investigation initiated after a formal complaint by one of the victims.

The case was triggered by a petition from Mrs. Fatimah Faiz Ali Bawahab, an online entrepreneur, who reported that her identity had been stolen. The suspect allegedly created a fake Facebook account using her name and photographs, operating under the username “Amizeebaby Muhd.” Through the fake profile, the suspect advertised fictitious goods and services, defrauding unsuspecting customers who believed they were dealing with Mrs. Bawahab.

Victims reportedly transferred money to various bank accounts provided by the suspect. The scam was often discovered only after the victims contacted the real Mrs. Bawahab for confirmation.

Investigations revealed that the fraudulent activities date back to March 2022, when a victim identified as Nafiu Muhd was deceived into sending money to a First Bank account bearing the name Hansatu Yau. Subsequent complaints in 2023 uncovered a recurring pattern, with several transactions linked to accounts registered under the names Hansatu Yau and Umar Yau.

The police have assured the public that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Popular socio-political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stated that he would have taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu if his name had been included in the 2025 National Honours list.

President Tinubu had on Thursday released the official list of 102 recipients of the 2025 Democracy Day National Honours. The list includes both living and posthumous awardees recognised for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

Some Nigerians expressed surprise that Sowore, known for his long-standing activism, was not among the honourees. However, the activist took to his official Facebook page on Friday to declare that he would have rejected the award if it had been offered to him.

“If I were mistakenly included by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his ‘National Award’ list, I would not only reject and denounce the award but also take definitive legal action for defamation,” Sowore wrote.

He has been a vocal critic of successive governments, including the current administration, and has consistently opposed state recognitions tied to political leadership.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the relocation of the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice James Omotosho, who issued the order, said the decision was made to enable the court and relevant parties to inspect a shipping container linked to Kanu. According to court proceedings, the container was allegedly used to import a radio transmitter into Nigeria, which authorities claim was intended for use in broadcasts on Radio Biafra.

Kanu, who has been in DSS custody, is standing trial on terrorism-related charges stemming from his separatist campaign for the actualization of an independent Biafran state. The Federal Government accuses him of inciting violence and destabilizing national security through IPOB activities and broadcasts made via Radio Biafra.

The move to the DSS facility marks a shift from the usual court proceedings held at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Security sources say the container is currently held within the DSS premises, necessitating the on-site inspection as part of evidence presentation in the trial.

Kanu’s legal team has yet to publicly respond to the court’s decision. The trial is expected to resume at the new venue on a date to be communicated by the court.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, urging Nigerians to resist what it described as anti-democratic tendencies.

The party made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day.

June 12 was designated Nigeria’s official Democracy Day in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, in honour of the late Moshood Abiola, widely regarded as the rightful winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. This year’s observance marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.

In its statement, the PDP alleged that the Tinubu administration is attempting to impose the APC on Nigerians and undermine democratic institutions.

“The Peoples Democratic Party calls on Nigerians to use the occasion of the June 12 Democracy Day to reawaken and strengthen their resistance to the anti-democratic designs of the All Progressives Congress, particularly the plot to foist a despotic one-party regime in Nigeria,” the party said.

The PDP also called on democratic institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and the international community to speak out against what it described as a decline in justice, rule of law, electoral credibility, and political participation.

It urged all stakeholders to unite in defending democratic values and protecting citizens’ rights to free political expression and participation.

Aliko Dangote will step down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025, marking the end of a two-decade tenure at the helm of the company.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, who described the move as part of a broader succession and corporate governance plan.

Dangote, who has led the board since 2005, is credited with transforming Dangote Sugar into a dominant force in Nigeria’s sugar industry. His leadership saw the implementation of major expansion initiatives and strengthened governance practices within the company.

“In line with the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc hereby announces the retirement of our esteemed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), effective June 16, 2025,” the company said.

The statement also highlighted key Backward Integration Projects undertaken under Dangote’s leadership in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, aimed at boosting local sugar production and reducing reliance on imports.

Following a selection and transition process, the Board has appointed Independent Non-Executive Director Arnold Ekpe as the incoming Chairman, effective the same day.

Ekpe, a seasoned executive, will take over leadership as the company enters a new phase of growth and development.

The World Bank is re-engaging in nuclear energy for the first time in decades, according to President Ajay Banga, as part of efforts to help developing countries meet surging electricity demand.

In a staff email on Wednesday, Banga announced that the bank will collaborate closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), focusing on strengthening non-proliferation safeguards and regulatory frameworks.

The move comes as electricity demand in developing countries is projected to more than double by 2035. To meet this rising need, annual investment in power generation, grid infrastructure, and storage must grow from the current $280 billion to approximately $630 billion, Banga said in the memo obtained by AFP.

“We will support efforts to extend the life of existing reactors in countries that already have them, and help support grid upgrades and related infrastructure,” he stated.

The Washington-based institution also plans to accelerate the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to make them a practical option for more countries in the future.

Banga, who assumed leadership of the World Bank in 2023, has advocated for a shift in the bank’s energy policy. His message to staff followed a board meeting held on Tuesday.

“The goal is to help countries deliver the energy their people need, while giving them the flexibility to choose the path that best fits their development ambitions,” he said.