Popular comedian Efe Warriboy has criticised Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for declaring Wednesday, June 18, a public holiday to welcome President Bola Tinubu, despite ongoing mourning across the state following the recent Yelewata massacre.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, the comedian described the move as insensitive, arguing that the governor’s focus should be on consoling grieving families rather than organising celebrations.
“What’s happening now in Benue State shows that regardless of your title, once you hold power in Nigeria, something changes — and when you join APC, it gets worse,” he said.
Warriboy expressed outrage that a public holiday was declared in honour of Tinubu’s visit, even as families continue to mourn. He questioned the purpose of the visit, asking, “Is he coming to commission a project or dead bodies?”
Referring to a viral video of a man who claimed to have lost 20 relatives in the massacre, the comedian said the state government’s priorities were misplaced. “The same people who are mourning their loved ones, you are asking them to come out and welcome President Tinubu,” he added.
He also accused Governor Alia of playing politics with the lives of Benue people and trying to appease political interests ahead of 2027.
“I miss former Governor Ortom. He was vocal about the killings. But you, a Reverend Father, have disappointed many,” Warriboy said.
The backlash comes after the state government urged residents to come out en masse to welcome the president, even as the state reels from one of its deadliest attacks in recent times.
