₦airaland Forum

In a recent interview on Wazobia TV, the award-winning artist expressed optimism about the country’s progress despite ongoing challenges.

“We are better off than many years ago. Just look at it,” 2Baba stated when the host, Yaw, pointed out that some of the issues he sang about in his classic song “E Be Like Say” years ago appear to be repeating in the current political climate.

The host had remarked, “Now we are back in that political season again, and the same issues are still happening.”

2Baba responded positively, insisting that tangible improvements have been made over the years.

He further revealed his personal commitment to nation-building by declaring himself an unofficial ambassador for Nigeria.

“I have personally appointed myself as an ambassador of Nigeria… an ambassador everywhere. I am a self-appointed ambassador of Nigeria to everywhere,” he said.

The singer explained that he intends to continue using his platform to project Nigeria positively and make a difference in his own way.

“It’s still ongoing, but I will continue doing it. I will set up my own position and try to make a difference. I’ll try to make it work because I know where I stand,” he added.

2Baba also clarified that while he once participated in a political campaign, he currently has no plans to venture into active politics. Instead, he prefers to operate independently as a voice for positive change.

2Baba, known for his socially conscious music and consistent advocacy for good governance, has maintained a reputation for speaking his mind on national issues over his two-decade career.

The veteran artist’s comments have sparked mixed reactions online.

oluwaseunamos33:
May thunder strike him for making that statement

obembet:
Your view, your opinion.... Let here from Peter obi supporters..be expecting curse anyway

Mrchippychappy:
It never ceases to amaze me how someone like him, who has the biggest platform to draw the worlds attention to the atrocities happening daily in Benue State would rather channel all his energy into trivial irresponsible nonsense than speak up for the people in Benue state. I can't remember him ever being vocal about the unnecessary loss of life in Benue.

Benue State has suffered severe violence—primarily from farmer-herder clashes (often involving Fulani herdsmen/militia attacking mostly Christian farming communities)—for many years, with roots predating both presidents. The conflict involves disputes over land, grazing, and resources in Nigeria's Middle Belt, but reports frequently describe it as escalating into coordinated attacks, village burnings, and mass killings, with significant displacement (hundreds of thousands of IDPs).
Under Muhammadu Buhari (2015–May 2023)
Violence was intense, especially in the 2016–2018 period:

2016: At least 1,269 people killed in Benue from herdsmen attacks (one of the deadliest single-year spikes reported).
2018: Major massacres, including the New Year Day attacks in Guma and Logo LGAs. National herder-farmer violence killed over 1,300 in the first half of the year alone. Earlier years (2013–2015 pre-Buhari or early) saw hundreds killed, e.g., Agatu attacks in 2015/early 2016 estimated at 300–500 in some reports.
Overall under Buhari: Benue saw repeated high-casualty incidents (hundreds per bad year), with thousands affected across the eight years. Nigeria-wide insecurity data (e.g., CFR Nigeria Security Tracker up to 2023) recorded tens of thousands of deaths from various violence, including herder-farmer clashes, though Benue-specific totals for the full period are often cited in the low thousands cumulatively (with peaks in 2016–2018). Attacks were seasonal but widespread in LGAs like Guma, Logo, Agatu, and Ukum.

The government faced criticism for inadequate response, with some years (e.g., 2017–2021) seeing national peaks in related fatalities.

Under Bola Tinubu (May 2023–present, as of early 2026)
Violence has continued and, by multiple independent reports, escalated sharply in scale and intensity, especially from 2024–2025:

Amnesty International (May 2025 report): In the first two years of the administration (May 2023–May 2025), at least 10,217 people killed across several states from gunmen/armed group attacks, with Benue accounting for the highest toll at over 6,896 deaths. Over 200 villages reportedly sacked, and massive displacement (450,000+ IDPs documented).
2023: Around 400–500 killed in Benue (e.g., 414 in 119 attacks per one diocesan report).
2024–2025: Further surge, with analyst databases citing ~1,043 deaths from May 2023–May 2025 in one tracking. 2025 saw repeated mass attacks, including:
April 2025: Dozens killed (e.g., 56 in one incident).
May–June 2025: Waves of attacks, culminating in the Yelewata (Yelwata) massacre (June 13–14, 2025) with 100–200+ deaths in one night (homes burned, people shot or macheted, including IDPs). Described as one of the worst single atrocities in the region.

Other 2025 incidents: 20–50+ killed in various LGAs (Guma, Logo, Ukum, Gwer West, etc.), with reports of 200–300+ in short spates. Data tracking from 2009–2025 shows a "steady and devastating escalation," worsening in recent years.

Benue has seen the highest death toll among affected states in recent years, with attacks becoming more frequent and brazen (nearly daily bloodshed in some periods per rights groups).
Comparison: When Did Benue Suffer the Most?

Overall, Benue has suffered the most intense and deadliest period of attacks under Tinubu (particularly 2024–2025) based on available aggregated data from Amnesty International, local trackers, BBC, and rights groups.

oluwaseunamos33:
May thunder strike him for making that statement

jojothaiv:
Man is entitled to his opinion and that's fine.