Reno Omokri, a prominent Nigerian political commentator and author, has sharply criticized former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over their handling of the recent killings of Northerners in Edo State. Omokri’s comments came after a deadly attack in Uromi, a town in Edo State, where sixteen Northerners were killed, allegedly by ethnic militia groups.
In a scathing social media post, Omokri questioned the actions and motives of both El-Rufai and Obi regarding the tragic killings. He expressed disappointment over Obi’s remarks, which he described as blaming the Northerners for the attacks, and accused El-Rufai of being indifferent to the situation. Omokri claimed that both politicians were more concerned with securing their political futures than with addressing the plight of Northern Nigerians.
The killings in Uromi, which took place in early March 2025, shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about the security of Northerners living in the southern parts of the country. The victims were reportedly targeted due to their ethnic and religious identity, a reflection of the growing ethnic tensions in parts of Nigeria. The massacre has sparked widespread condemnation from Nigerians, especially from those within the Northern community, who have called for swift justice and action from both state and federal authorities.
Peter Obi, who was a strong contender in the 2023 presidential election and is eyeing a comeback in 2027, responded to the killings by calling for peace but also stated that the killings were a consequence of unresolved issues between the North and South. His comments, which some perceived as indirect blame on the victims, were seen by many as insensitive, leading to backlash from Northern groups.
Omokri did not hold back in his criticism of Obi, pointing out what he described as a dangerous attempt to manipulate the North’s perception of Obi as a “savior” for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. He urged the people of Northern Nigeria, whom he referred to as “Mutanen Arewa” (People of the North), to reconsider their support for Obi, particularly after his comments about the Uromi killings.
“How can you expect someone who was caught red-handed on a leaked call plotting ‘religious war’ against the Muslim Ummah to support justice for Muslim Northerners?” Omokri wrote, referencing an earlier controversy where Obi was allegedly recorded discussing a potential religious conflict. Though the authenticity of the leaked call was never fully confirmed, it raised suspicions about Obi’s political agenda among Northern Muslims.
While Obi has drawn criticism for his remarks, Omokri’s anger was also directed at Nasir El-Rufai, who was Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and is widely believed to have political aspirations for the 2027 presidential election. Omokri pointed out El-Rufai’s silence on the matter, questioning why the former governor had not addressed the killings or offered his condolences to the families of the victims. According to Omokri, El-Rufai’s lack of action is a clear sign that the politician is more interested in securing votes for the 2027 election than in ensuring the safety of his Northern constituents.
“Has Nasir El-Rufai said anything about the killings? No. He is unconcerned. He only needs your votes in 2027,” Omokri wrote. “If some Northerners are killed in Edo, he does not care as long as it will not affect his chances in 2027. Power is all he cares about, not you!”
El-Rufai’s critics have long accused him of prioritizing political ambitions over the well-being of his people. As a controversial figure in Nigerian politics, El-Rufai has been known for his aggressive stance on security issues and his strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. However, Omokri argued that El-Rufai’s political calculations are blinding him to the real needs of the North and to the importance of addressing violence against Northerners in the South.
The killings of the Northerners in Uromi have highlighted the simmering ethnic and religious tensions in Nigeria, particularly between the North and South. Historically, the divide between the two regions has been fueled by differences in religion, culture, and political ideology. In recent years, these tensions have been exacerbated by political maneuvering, with politicians often using ethnic and religious sentiments to secure votes.
The Uromi killings come at a time when Nigeria is facing multiple security challenges, ranging from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the North-West, as well as increasing attacks in the Middle Belt and Southern regions. The government’s response to these security concerns has often been criticized as slow or inadequate, and many Nigerians feel that their leaders are not doing enough to protect vulnerable communities.
In the case of the Uromi killings, the victims, who were predominantly from the North, were targeted by local groups who perceived them as outsiders. These types of attacks are not new, but they have become more frequent in recent years, especially in areas where ethnic and religious groups live in close proximity.
Omokri’s harsh words also reflect the ongoing political tensions in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election. El-Rufai, who served two terms as governor of Kaduna, has expressed interest in a national political role in the future, and many believe he is positioning himself for a presidential bid. Similarly, Peter Obi, who ran for president in 2023, is also expected to contest the 2027 election, following his loss to Bola Tinubu in the last race.
Both politicians are keenly aware of the importance of securing support from the Northern region, where a significant portion of the electorate resides. This explains, in part, the political calculation behind their actions and statements, with Omokri accusing both men of manipulating the situation for their own gain.
For the North, Omokri’s criticism is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of its people, rather than allowing political ambitions to overshadow the need for justice and accountability. The Uromi killings have left many Northerners questioning their political leaders and wondering whether their voices will be heard in the face of increasing violence.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, it is clear that issues of security, ethnic relations, and leadership accountability will dominate political discussions. The question of how to address the violence and injustices faced by various ethnic groups will be central to the country’s political future. Leaders like Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi will need to demonstrate genuine concern for the safety of all Nigerians, particularly those affected by the rising tide of violence in different parts of the country.
