Paragraph 1: Tinubu’s Absence Amidst Escalating Violence Sparks Outrage
President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay in France has ignited a firestorm of criticism from opposition figures and security analysts as Nigeria grapples with a surge in violent attacks and killings. While the President’s office maintains that the trip is a "working visit" to assess his administration’s mid-term performance, the timing coincides with a series of horrific massacres in Plateau and Benue states, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced. Prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, have vehemently called for Tinubu’s immediate return, arguing that his absence projects an image of indifference to the escalating security crisis.
Paragraph 2: Plateau and Benue States Become Killing Fields
The security situation in Plateau and Benue has deteriorated dramatically during Tinubu’s absence. In Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, over 40 people were killed and more than 1,000 displaced in an attack on multiple communities. Despite police deployment, the violence continued, with another attack in Bassa Local Government Area claiming the lives of 51 people, including a family of eight. Benue State also suffered a brutal attack, with at least 13 people killed and over 50 houses destroyed in Otobi Akpa community. These incidents underscore the urgent need for decisive action to address the escalating violence plaguing these regions.
Paragraph 3: Opposition Leaders Demand Tinubu’s Return and Accountability
Atiku Abubakar, speaking through his media advisor, condemned Tinubu’s continued stay in France as irresponsible, emphasizing the need for a present and engaged leader. He questioned the nature of the President’s "working visit," particularly given the lack of official clarity regarding the trip’s purpose and the perceived waste of resources amidst Nigeria’s mounting debt. Peter Obi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the alarming number of deaths during Tinubu’s two-week absence and the urgent need for him to return home and address the national security crisis. Obi criticized Tinubu’s remote responses to the violence, arguing that they are insufficient and demonstrate a detachment from the suffering of the Nigerian people.
Paragraph 4: Government Defends Tinubu’s Remote Leadership, Promises Action
The All Progressives Congress (APC) defended President Tinubu, asserting that Nigeria is not without leadership. APC Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim argued that Tinubu can effectively lead from anywhere in the world due to modern communication technologies and that he is in constant contact with security agencies. He emphasized that Vice President Kashim Shettima is actively representing the President within the country and that the government is aware of the security challenges and is taking steps to address them. Ibrahim urged the opposition to be fair to the President and acknowledge the ongoing efforts to tackle the crisis.
Paragraph 5: Critics Question Security Agencies’ Effectiveness and Government’s Response
Despite the government’s assurances, critics remained unconvinced. The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called Tinubu’s absence a sign of irresponsibility and questioned his fitness for office, suggesting that age or health issues may be hindering his ability to lead effectively. He challenged Tinubu to hold his security chiefs accountable and take decisive action to stop the bloodshed. Security experts expressed concerns about the military’s reactive approach to insecurity, questioning the effectiveness of security forces given the proximity of some attacks to military checkpoints. They warned of the potential for further instability if public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security continues to erode.
Paragraph 6: Calls for Investigation, Compensation, and a Demonstration of Concern
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) expressed concern that Nigerians feel abandoned by their leader, accusing Tinubu of showing little regard for their suffering. They urged him to return home and demonstrate a genuine concern for the people, even if he doesn’t have immediate solutions to the complex problems facing the nation. The Northern Elders Forum echoed these concerns, labeling the violence in Plateau State a national disgrace and demanding the immediate deployment of security forces to restore order. They called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, compensation for victims and affected communities, and the establishment of an independent investigative panel to determine the root causes of the violence. The overall sentiment is one of deep frustration and anxiety regarding the escalating security situation, with many calling for immediate and decisive action from the highest levels of government.
