Nigerians are reacting with shock and outrage after banners displaying the message “Mr. President, thank you for condolence with the Benue State people” appeared across parts of Benue State even as fresh reports of killings and displacement continue to emerge.
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The banners, believed to have been installed ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state, have triggered a wave of anger, with many accusing the authorities of prioritizing political optics over genuine action.
In one viral video, a distressed man makes a video inside of his car, asking bitterly, “What level of madness is this? People are dying, and you are interested in doing campaign?”
The remarks echo the sentiments of many across the country, who argue that public appreciation for condolence is premature and tone-deaf, especially in the absence of concrete federal intervention to stem the tide of violence that has plagued Benue for years.
The state has faced repeated attacks by unidentified armed groups, with entire communities wiped out and survivors forced into displacement camps. Despite the tragic toll, many residents feel abandoned, left with no clear commitment from the federal government beyond statements and symbolic gestures.
Critics say the banners suggest a disturbing shift one where performance politics overshadows the human cost of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. As one online commentator put it: “When lives are lost, you don’t roll out banners. You roll out action.”
As President Tinubu’s visit unfolds, the focus from the public remains clear beyond gestures and cleanup efforts, real accountability and long-term security measures are desperately needed.
