Popular gospel singer, Yinka Alaseyori, has come under intense criticism from Nigerians following comments perceived as a defence of President Bola Tinubu’s administration amid growing concerns over insecurity and the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online in which the singer urged Nigerians not to place all the blame for the country’s security challenges on President Tinubu. According to her, the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima and security agencies were making efforts to address the situation and secure the release of victims.
Alaseyori also stressed the need for prayers, suggesting that spiritual forces could be contributing to the nation’s security challenges and affecting efforts to rescue kidnapped victims.
Her remarks, however, triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians accusing her of attempting to justify the government’s handling of insecurity at a time when families of abducted victims are demanding urgent action.
Critics argued that insecurity is primarily a governance issue that requires decisive leadership, effective intelligence gathering and stronger security operations rather than spiritual explanations.
Many of those reacting to the video described the comments as insensitive, particularly as dozens of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State remain in captivity weeks after the incident.
The attack, which occurred on May 15, saw armed men invade schools in the area and abduct scores of pupils and teachers. The incident has since sparked nationwide protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), civil society groups and concerned citizens calling for the immediate rescue of the victims.
Some commentators also faulted Alaseyori’s assertion that the Tinubu administration was working to tackle insecurity, arguing that persistent kidnappings, killings and attacks across several states have eroded public confidence in government efforts.
Others questioned the timing of her remarks, insisting that public figures should focus on advocating for the safe return of victims rather than defending political leaders.
However, supporters of the gospel singer maintained that her comments were being misinterpreted. They argued that Alaseyori merely called for prayers and patience while encouraging Nigerians not to lose hope in the country’s security institutions.
The development has further highlighted the deep divisions among Nigerians over the government’s response to insecurity, with public frustration growing as incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks continue to make headlines across the country.
As reactions continue to trail the video, neither the Presidency nor Alaseyori has issued any further statement addressing the controversy.
