Nigerian pop star Ayra Starr has come under intense criticism online following her perceived lack of sensitivity in the wake of the tragic killings in Benue State, where over 200 people reportedly lost their lives. The controversy erupted after Ayra posted a casual tweet during the mourning period, prompting a user on X to accuse her of failing to “read the room.” In response, Ayra replied, “We not in the same room, babes,” a comment that many deemed tone-deaf and insensitive given the gravity of the situation.
The backlash was swift and severe, with numerous social media users condemning her response as inappropriate and lacking empathy for the victims and their families. Some accused her of being out of touch with the national tragedy, while others called her comment “very insensitive.”
In the face of mounting criticism, Ayra Starr took to X again to defend herself, accusing her detractors of deliberately misunderstanding her and using her as a scapegoat. She wrote, “There’s nothing I can do nor say to people that intentionally want to bully and misunderstand me every time, you’ve found a scapegoat abi? Focus on issues that actually matter and leave me tf alone.”
The killings in Benue State occurred in the early hours of June 13, 2025, when suspected armed herdsmen launched coordinated attacks on the Daudu and Yelewata communities in Guma Local Government Area. The assailants set homes ablaze, trapping people inside, and massacred entire families, including children and the elderly. The brutality of the attacks has sparked national outrage and calls for urgent government action.
Pope Leo has condemned the violence and led prayers for the victims, while many Nigerians have criticized President Bola Tinubu for his perceived silence on the crisis. Amid this tense atmosphere, Ayra Starr’s comments have become a focal point for debate about the responsibilities of public figures during times of national tragedy.
