There has been radio silence from the Presidency in the last 48 hours after at least 80 innocent Nigerians were massacred across the country. The wanton killings took place barely one week into President Bola Tinubu’s government as bandits and unknown gunmen wreaked unrestrained havoc on hapless communities.

Amidst the local tragedies, Mr Tinubu was quick to mourn the dead in India’s catastrophic train crash without a word for his unfortunate compatriots. 

“My heart goes to the families of those affected in the unfortunate and heartrending train crash in the Indian state of Odisha,” Mr Tinubu said in a statement by his campaign spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. “We stand with India in brotherhood at this difficult time.”

As of Tuesday morning, Mr Tinubu had not issued a statement to condemn the violence, mourn the dead, and commiserate with others affected.

On June 3, about 25 people were massacred and scores wounded in Katsina-Ala, Benue.

On the same day in Zamfara, 25 people were slaughtered by bandits who raided three villages that refused to pay “ransom or protection fees” to be allowed to farm. 

In Tangaza local council in Sokoto, 30 innocent civilians were murdered by gunmen, the police said on Sunday.

Despite the president’s apparent indifference, top politicians have condemned the killings and have commiserated with the people.

On Sunday, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara condemned Saturday’s bandits’ attacks that left 25 dead. Aliyu Wamakko, former Sokoto governor, sympathised with the people of Tangaza Lga over a bandits’ attack. Also, Governor Ahmed Aliyu convened an emergency security meeting on Monday over the weekend killing.

Mr Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th president on May 29 at the Eagles Square Abuja and vowed to tackle criminal elements headlong.

“Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence,” said Mr Tinubu in his inaugural speech. “To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security doctrine and its architecture.”

Mr Onanuga did not respond to Peoples Gazette’s request for comments on why the president has not issued a statement to commiserate with the victims of the latest massacres in Nigeria.