Nigerian music star Timaya has sparked a heated debate on social media following his call for government intervention against herdsmen allegedly destroying farmlands in Bayelsa State.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on March 18, 2025, Timaya expressed his frustration, writing:
“Pls the government should do something. They are destroying farms in BAYELSA, Aboki take your cow inside and feed them…This is so sad.”
Pls the government should do something. They are destroying farms in BAYELSA, Aboki take your in cow inside and feed them.. This is so sad….
— Timaya (@timayatimaya) March 18, 2025
While some users praised the singer for speaking up, many criticized his choice of the term “Aboki,” a Hausa word that means “friend” but is often perceived as derogatory when used out of context. Critics argued that Timaya’s approach could worsen ethnic tensions and questioned why he remained silent when similar incidents occurred in other parts of the country.
Timaya’s post has generated diverse opinions online, with some users backing his appeal while others condemned his perceived insensitivity.
- “Thank you for speaking up. The government should protect our farmers.”
- “Using ethnic slurs is unfortunate. Not all ‘Aboki’ are herdsmen. As a public figure, you should do better.”
- “You were silent when this happened in Kaduna, Benue, and Enugu. Now that it’s Bayelsa, you speak up?”
- “Remember your song during the inauguration? As e dey sweet us, e dey pain them. You will learn.”
The destruction of farmlands by grazing cattle has been a long-standing issue in Nigeria, contributing to conflicts between farmers and herders across the country. While the government has made efforts to address the crisis through initiatives like the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), many communities still experience clashes and losses.
Timaya’s comments have highlighted the delicate balance between raising awareness and being mindful of language that could escalate ethnic tensions.
As the debate continues, many have called for constructive engagement between affected communities, the government, and stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to the conflict. Public figures like Timaya wield significant influence, and their advocacy can make a difference if approached thoughtfully.
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