2Baba, Olamide, AY, others demand urgent govt action

Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has called on the Federal Government and stakeholders to urgently address the growing violence and killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a “national emergency.”

 

In a video shared on Instagram on Sunday, the Benue-born singer expressed frustration and grief, saying the bloodshed in his home state has gone on for too long.

 

“This thing has to stop… We need every stakeholder to be serious and come together. It’s beyond condemnation now,” he said.

 

Reacting to the post, on Monday, rapper Olamide wrote on X, “Prayers up for Benue :broken_heart::pray::skin-tone-5:,” joining the growing number of celebrities speaking out.

 

Comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, also shared his voice on Instagram, saying: “We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering happening in our homeland. It’s time for us to stand together.”

 

He urged leaders and citizens to pursue peace, justice and security, and warned that those causing harm are “destroying our unity.”

 

Adding a spiritual tone to the call, Apostle Femi Lazarus pleaded with the Federal Government to take swift action, saying, “Please help look into this. From Benue to Plateau to Kaduna, Borno.”

 

On Monday, controversial media personality Bobrisky also joined the conversation. In a post on Instagram, he criticised lawmakers for prioritising less pressing matters.

 

“Senators/house representatives didn’t call urgent meeting over the killing happening in Benue… but they can call urgent meeting when it comes to Bobrisky. Shame!!!!” he wrote.

 

The comments come amidst renewed attacks in parts of Benue, with several reports of deaths and displacement in rural communities.

 

Many Nigerians online have continued to call for immediate action, urging President Bola Tinubu and state governors in the Middle Belt region to prioritise security and protect citizens from further violence.