Social media anger over Benue killings

The Benue killings (June 13-14, 2025), which claimed over 200 lives in Nigeria’s north-central state, ignited a firestorm on Nigerian social media. These reactions contributed to President Bola Tinubu’s decision and visit to Benue State on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.

Here’s a synthesis of key reactions and demands:

1. Demands for State of Emergency & Government Accountability

#StateOfEmergencyInBenue: Users contrasted the swift declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State (a political crisis with zero deaths) with federal inaction in Benue despite massive casualties. Many called this a prioritisation of “political control over human lives”.

Criticism of Presidential Silence: President Tinubu’s delayed statement (48 hours post-attack) was condemned as “gross incompetence” and lacking empathy. Users pointed out that his directive for “dialogue and reconciliation” felt inadequate against systematic violence.

💔 2. Celebrity Reactions: Empathy vs. Backlash
Tacha’s Emotional Outburst: The reality star broke down in a viral hospital-bed video, asking, “Where did we go wrong being Nigerians?” She condemned leaders for permitting international figures like Pope Leo to acknowledge the tragedy before the Nigerian government.

Ayra Starr’s Controversy: The singer faced intense backlash for dismissing a user’s call to “read the room” with “We’re not in the same room, babes.” Critics labelled this “tone-deaf,” forcing her to later accuse users of “intentional bullying”.

🗣️ 3. Condemnation of “Selective Justice” & Security Failures
Users noted the Army’s vow to “go after attackers but questioned why such operations weren’t pre-emptive. The arrest of 33 illegal immigrants linked to the killings was seen as reactive, not systemic.

Comparisons to global conflicts (e.g., Israel-Iran) underscored disbelief that “Nigeria, not at war, had higher casualties”.

✊ 4. Amplification of Marginalised Voices
Rural Communities: Pope Leo’s prayer spotlighted attacks on “rural Christian communities” and IDPs sheltered by Catholic missions, emphasising the religious dimension (predominantly Muslim herders vs. Christian farmers).

Youth Vigilance: Benue youths were praised for reporting suspicious immigrants, prompting Governor Alia’s call: “If you see something, say something”.

🌍 5. International Solidarity & Local NGOs
Plan International condemned the violence’s impact on children/women and warned of economic fallout.

Amnesty International demanded an end to “daily bloodshed” and accountability for perpetrators.

Social media has amplified a visceral public cry: Benue’s crisis reflects Nigeria’s fractured priorities, where political power outweighs human security. The demand isn’t just for action but for consistent, humane governance. As one user starkly put it: “Enough is now enough”.

Key social media themes were:

Government double standards: *”Zero deaths in Rivers → State of Emergency. 200+ killed in Benue → No action. Tinubu, resign!”*

Demands for Justice: “Comb every corner of Benue and fish [perpetrators] out!”
Pussyfooting on real problems but moving with the speed of light on contrived crises. Rivers and Benue are on my mind