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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.