Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, widely known by his stage name Oxlade, has publicly voiced his concerns and heartfelt outrage over the recent tragic events that unfolded in Benue State. The singer took to his official X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday, June 16, 2025, to mourn and condemn the killings that have once again brought sorrow to the nation.
In a deeply emotional post, Oxlade did not hold back his pain and frustration. He emphasized the importance of speaking up and taking urgent action to address the growing insecurity in the region. “The killings in Benue cannot keep being met with silence. These are lives lost, families broken, and futures stolen. Nigeria, how many more? This is a national emergency that we all must partake in,” he tweeted. His message was accompanied by a broken heart emoji and the hashtags #StopTheKillings and #PrayForBenue, reflecting both his grief and a rallying call for nationwide awareness.
The artist's reaction came in response to horrifying reports of a deadly attack that occurred between Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Yelwata, Benue State. Over 200 individuals were allegedly massacred in what is being described as one of the bloodiest incidents in the region’s recent history. Victims, including women and children, were reportedly burned alive, while many families were wiped out completely.
Oxlade has now joined a growing list of Nigerian celebrities and public figures who have used their platforms to condemn the violence and call on the government to take urgent, effective steps. These include iconic music figures such as 2Baba, who hails from Benue State himself, the legendary rapper MI Abaga, and the controversial street-hop artist Portable. Their unified voices underscore the growing concern that insecurity is not just a regional issue but a national crisis affecting all Nigerians.
The singer’s message quickly gained traction across social media platforms, sparking conversations around the government’s responsibility and the need for collective pressure to end such atrocities. Fans and fellow entertainers have since applauded Oxlade for speaking up and staying connected to the pain of everyday Nigerians.
This latest outcry adds to Oxlade’s growing reputation as not just a talented vocalist, but a socially aware artist unafraid to speak out against injustice, especially when silence would be more convenient. With a strong Gen Z fanbase and influence that stretches across the continent, his voice carries significant weight among younger Nigerians.