“This Routine Statement Does Not Cut It”: Falz Condemns Tinubu's Silence and Inaction Amidst Massacre of Over 200 Citizens in Benue

 

Popular Nigerian rapper, actor, and social justice advocate, Folarin Falana, widely known by his stage name Falz, has publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his administration’s apparent failure to address the deepening insecurity across the country. The vocal entertainer’s rebuke follows the tragic massacre of over 200 individuals in Benue State, a violent incident that has sparked outrage, sorrow, and bewilderment from various quarters—except, critics say, from the nation's leadership.

Rather than remain silent as the death toll rises, Falz took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his dismay at what he described as a pattern of governmental indifference. According to the artist, President Tinubu has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of capacity or will to fulfill one of the most basic and essential functions of any government: the protection of lives and property.

“You have consistently shown that you are incapable of performing the primary duty of securing lives and property of your citizens. This routine statement does not cut it,” Falz stated in direct response to Tinubu’s official message addressing the Benue killings.

The President's message, seen by many as generic and formulaic, failed to resonate with a public exhausted by unending violence, kidnappings, and killings. Though Tinubu expressed condolences and promised justice in the aftermath of the Benue tragedy, critics argue that such statements have become all too familiar, often repeated after each mass atrocity, with little to no visible action following.

Observers note that the massacre in Benue, where over 200 residents were reportedly killed and burned alive, has not garnered the level of national attention or government urgency expected for such a devastating event. This discrepancy, Falz suggested, points to a broader apathy and systemic disregard for human life that seems to have infected the highest levels of power.

The artist didn’t hold back in a separate post, lamenting not only the horrific nature of the killings but also the apparent lack of concern among Nigerians themselves. “Over 200 senselessly slain and burnt alive in Benue and this is not even getting close to enough attention. Why are we so wicked to ourselves?” he questioned, casting a broader criticism not just at government, but at the collective national conscience.

Falz has become increasingly known for his politically charged commentary in recent years. His involvement in the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality cemented his reputation as an entertainer unafraid to speak truth to power. His song "This Is Nigeria" was both a cultural phenomenon and a scathing indictment of the country’s ills, touching on corruption, violence, and inequality.

His latest critique underscores a growing sense of frustration among Nigerian youth and civic-minded individuals who believe the government is failing to address the structural issues that perpetuate insecurity and violence. Beyond Benue, various regions across Nigeria have seen a disturbing rise in attacks by bandits, insurgents, and unidentified armed groups. Villages are razed, lives lost, and communities displaced, with many victims receiving neither justice nor acknowledgment.

Security experts have long warned that the lack of a coherent and firm response to these threats could lead to wider destabilization. Despite repeated promises from successive governments, the security architecture remains riddled with inefficiencies, poor coordination, and allegations of internal compromise.

Social media has become one of the few outlets where the public can voice its anguish and demand accountability, and voices like Falz’s play a crucial role in galvanizing national and international attention. His posts have since gone viral, sparking conversations about leadership failure, civic engagement, and the role of public figures in holding power accountable.

Many Nigerians who responded to Falz’s posts echoed his sentiments, expressing their own dissatisfaction with the government’s apparent helplessness. Others praised him for using his platform to speak up, especially in a climate where dissent is often met with intimidation or suppression.

As the country reels from yet another national tragedy, the words of Falz stand as both a condemnation and a challenge: a condemnation of a system that appears to have normalized violence and a challenge to the leaders, and perhaps the people themselves, to rise from the numbness and demand more—more compassion, more protection, more accountability.

Without sustained outrage and collective demand for change, voices like Falz’s risk becoming just another cry in the wind—urgent, emotional, but ultimately unheard by those in power.