-
“Stop Killing People in Benue” — Portable urges President Tinubu to end Benue killings
Nigerian street-hop sensation Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, widely known as Portable, has joined the growing chorus of voices demanding justice following the horrific mass killings in Yelwata, Benue State.
In a video message shared via Instagram, the Zazoo Zeh hitmaker issued a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to take immediate and decisive action in response to the atrocities that left over 200 people dead between Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, 2025.
“Please Daddy Tinubu, hear what Benue is saying. Benue needs your help. They are protecting cows more than human beings,” Portable said in the emotionally charged video.
The Benue massacre, which shocked the nation, reportedly involved suspected herders who not only slaughtered civilians but also burnt victims alive. Public outrage intensified after controversial commentator Vincent Martins Otse shared graphic footage from the scene, drawing widespread condemnation.
Portable revealed that he was moved to speak out after fellow artist and Benue native Innocent “2Baba” Idibia condemned the killings in a tearful video alongside his wife, lawmaker Natasha Osawaru. Hailing 2Baba as a “brother,” Portable praised his decision to use his platform for advocacy.
The street-pop star, who said he once performed in Benue, expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation, adding that such instability would prevent him—and others—from returning to the state.
He also issued a political warning to the president:
“Please Tinubu, do the needful. Don’t let them use this to spoil your election plans in 2027. Stop killing people in Benue.”
View this post on Instagram
Portable now joins a growing list of Nigerian celebrities—including 2Baba, Falz, and MI Abaga—who have spoken out forcefully against the Benue killings, calling for urgent intervention, justice, and sustainable peace.
As the nation reels from the tragedy, the voices of entertainers like Portable reflect a broader demand: that Nigerian lives must matter more than politics or cattle.