President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, commissioned the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, expanding water access to over two million residents in the Federal Capital Territory. The ceremony was a major infrastructure milestone, attended by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
However, the celebration was met with public outrage as it coincided with national mourning following the massacre of over 200 people in Benue State over the weekend. Armed attackers stormed the community of Yelewata, leaving behind burned homes, mass graves, and thousands of displaced civilians. Survivors say they feel abandoned by the federal government.
Instead of visiting Benue immediately, President Tinubu remained in Abuja for the water project event. Though he referred to the killings as “senseless bloodletting,” he did not directly acknowledge the death toll or offer condolences to the victims’ families. In a follow-up statement, Tinubu announced plans to “adjust his schedule” to visit Benue on Wednesday.
The federal response has sparked criticism online and from political opposition figures, including Peter Obi, who accused the president of consistently showing a lack of compassion during national crises.
Many Nigerians are questioning the government’s priorities, arguing that infrastructure projects, while important, should not overshadow urgent humanitarian tragedies.
As President Tinubu prepares to visit Benue, citizens demand more than symbolic gestures; they want swift justice, relief for the displaced, and genuine national leadership.
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