Lagos, Nigeria – Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a prominent Nigerian opposition figure, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s response to a recent massacre in the country’s Middle Belt, calling the president’s remarks “insensitive and irresponsible.” The attack, attributed to a notorious terrorist organisation, has reignited concerns over the government’s ability to address escalating violence in the region.
In a statement posted on X on 16 June 2025, Rhodes-Vivour condemned Tinubu’s call for “dialogue and reconciliation” in the wake of the killings, describing the words as wholly inadequate for the gravity of the situation. “No one is surprised,” he wrote, referencing a past incident in Ondo State where Tinubu controversially asked, “Where are the cows?” following a violent attack.
Rhodes-Vivour accused the president of abdicating responsibility and displaying a “lack of empathy and glaring incompetence” in restoring peace and stability. He pointed to Tinubu’s earlier claim that “the buck stops at the president’s table,” arguing that the president’s actions over the past 24 hours reflect a failure to uphold this principle.
“The death, killing, and massacre in the Middle Belt is one too many,” Rhodes-Vivour stated, emphasising that the primary role of government is to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property. He described the ongoing violence as “unacceptable” and a stark reflection of the government’s failure to fulfil its most fundamental duty.
The Middle Belt, a region long plagued by ethno-religious conflicts and attacks by armed groups, has seen a surge in violence in recent years. The latest massacre has drawn widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the government’s perceived inaction.
Rhodes-Vivour’s remarks have sparked debate on social media, with supporters praising his forthrightness and critics accusing him of politicising a tragedy. As pressure mounts on the Tinubu administration to address the security crisis, the opposition’s call for accountability underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s leadership in tackling the root causes of violence.
