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Peter Obi has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to visit Benue State following the massacre of over 200 Nigerians by suspected herdsmen in Daudu and Yelewata communities on 13-14 June. In a strongly worded post on X, the former Labour Party presidential candidate stated that the president's absence demonstrates a lack of empathy and respect for human life. Obi contrasted Tinubu's inaction with leaders in India and South Africa, who personally visited the tragedy sites within hours.

Key Takeaways
  • Massive Casualties: Over 200 Nigerians killed in Benue State attacks, including children, the elderly, and soldiers
  • Presidential Absence: No presidential visit to the scenes of tragedy, despite being less than an hour away by helicopter
  • Global Comparison: Indian PM visited the plane crash site within hours; South African president personally attendedthe flood scenes
  • Pattern Established: Similar absence during Niger State flooding that claimed nearly 200 lives
Why do leaders avoid tragedy sites when helicopters make them accessible within hours? Obi's criticism reveals an uncomfortable truth: distance isn't neglect—it's deliberate shielding. When presidents witness grief firsthand, they absorb emotional pressure that makes issuing statements insufficient. Staying away allows Tinubu to manage the crisis through security directives rather than feel the weight of 200 lives lost.

This pattern extends beyond Benue to Niger State flooding—both tragedies met with remote responses. Obi's comparison to Indian and South African leaders exposes how proximity breeds accountability. When leaders stand among grieving families, they can't retreat into policy abstractions. They must answer directly: "What are you doing to stop this?"

For young Nigerians watching repeated massacres, this teaches a harsh lesson: your leaders will manage your deaths, but won't witness your grief. Understanding this dynamic helps citizens recognise when distance is deliberate, not logistical.

Why do you think leaders avoid visiting tragedy sites? What would change if presidents had to answer grieving families face-to-face?
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Sources

Peter Obi's X Account, Vatican News, Reuters, Daily Post Nigeria, Pulse Nigeria