17 June 2025
The Nigerian state of Benue is once again engulfed in grief following the brutal massacre of over 200 innocent civilians over the weekend, in what has been described as yet another act of genocide. The slaughter, carried out with chilling impunity, has reignited outrage and despair across the nation, with prominent activist Oby Ezekwesili leading calls for urgent action and systemic change.
In a powerful statement shared on X, Ezekwesili condemned the persistent indifference of Nigeria’s leadership, slamming both past and present administrations for their failure to protect citizens. “Government after government continues to show utter disregard for the lives of its citizens,” she wrote, pointing to the latest killings as evidence of a broken system led by “selfish politicians” who prioritise power over people.
The activist recalled her solo protest march to the Presidential Villa in 2018, when she demanded action from then-President Muhammadu Buhari to halt similar massacres in Benue and across Nigeria. Despite facing resistance from security operatives, Ezekwesili stood her ground, warning that inaction would normalise such atrocities. “Seven years later,” she lamented, “nothing has changed.”
Under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, Ezekwesili argues, the situation remains dire. She criticised Tinubu’s response to the Benue killings as “feeble and infuriating,” accusing him of showing “zero duty of care” towards the victims, their families, and a nation in anguish. Her words echo a growing sentiment among Nigerians who are increasingly frustrated with a political class that appears unmoved by the loss of life.
The Benue massacre, which saw entire communities devastated, has underscored the systemic failures of Nigeria’s security apparatus and governance. Ezekwesili’s statement poses a stark question to citizens: “How much longer will we tolerate a system led by this wicked band of misleaders—those who lack the empathy and effectiveness needed to end the horror of normalized genocide in our land?”
Her call-to-action urges Nigerians to unite and demand accountability from those in power, including the President, Senate President, Speaker, and governors. “When will we stand as one and fight against a political class that has always valued barrels of oil over human lives?” she asked, urging citizens to say “Enough” and mean it.
The activist’s message has resonated widely, with many on X amplifying her demand for a Nigeria led by leaders who serve their people. As the nation mourns, Ezekwesili’s words serve as both a rallying cry and a sobering reminder: condolences alone are meaningless without action to end the cycle of violence.
The time, she insists, is now.
