Gladness Gideon
A wave of public outrage has followed comments by Nigerian reality TV star Phyna, who alleged on social media that there were no survivors from the recent Yelewata massacre in Benue State, challenging the narrative surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to a hospital housing alleged victims.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Phyna claimed that all victims in the Yelewata attack were “killed and burnt alive,” questioning the identities of those presented as survivors during the president’s visit.
“There were no victims in Yelewata, they were all killed and burnt alive,” she wrote. “Who are those in the hospital that the president went to visit standing on a red rug? @officialABAT why are you doing a photoshoot to make us angrier?”
Her remarks sparked widespread discussion online, with many Nigerians echoing frustrations over perceived government theatrics in the face of national tragedies. Phyna, who has over a million followers, accused authorities of staging a photo opportunity instead of offering real justice or support to the affected community.
The presidential visit, which took place on June 18, 2025, was intended to express solidarity and oversee relief efforts following the devastating attack in Yelewata. However, the presence of patients upright and posing in what appeared to be a choreographed setting has led to skepticism.
The massacre in Yelewata, located in Benue State, reportedly claimed dozens of lives in what residents described as a brutal and coordinated assault by unknown assailants. Many victims were said to have been burned beyond recognition.
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While government sources maintain that survivors were airlifted to medical facilities and are receiving treatment, eyewitness accounts and viral testimonies continue to challenge this version of events.
“Nigeria has failed us,” Phyna concluded in her emotional post, adding a series of broken-heart emojis to underline her grief and disappointment.
As of press time, the presidency has yet to issue an official response to the allegations or clarify the status of the hospitalised individuals presented during the visit.