As violent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen continue to devastate communities in Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna, a growing number of Nigerians are questioning the silence—or selective outrage—of the country’s political elite.
In the wake of several recent massacres that left hundreds dead and entire villages wiped out, critics are accusing top government officials, including National Assembly members and state governors, of turning a blind eye to the killings. “If this was happening in Lagos or Abuja, would they stay this silent?” asked Ifeanyi Okonkwo, a human rights advocate based in Enugu.
According to local observers, the silence from many top politicians—particularly those eyeing 2027 political ambitions—is no coincidence. “Many of them are afraid to speak out against Fulani militancy because they rely on Northern political alliances for support,” said one source close to the opposition.
On social media, Nigerians have been vocal. A trending hashtag, #WhoAreTheyProtecting, accuses the federal government and security forces of bias, with some alleging complicity. “It’s hard to believe these attacks happen weekly, and yet we see no outrage from Aso Rock,” tweeted a user under the handle @NaijaVoiceNow.
Meanwhile, survivors of attacks in Bokkos and Southern Kaduna continue to bury their dead in mass graves as displaced families sleep in the open with little government support. Civil society organizations have called for a special tribunal to investigate the atrocities and expose political enablers.
What’s fueling the silence? Political loyalty? Ethnic bias? Or fear of rocking the national boat? Either way, the victims continue to count their dead—while the country’s power players look the other way.