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.
