Ayra Starr Sparks Outrage Over Benue Killings

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr came under fire for her response to criticism after she stayed silent on the Benue killings that claimed over 200 lives.

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has come under intense public scrutiny following her online response to criticism over her silence on the recent mass killings in Benue State, where over 200 people were reportedly killed in Guma Local Government Area.

The backlash erupted after the 23-year-old Mavin Records star responded to a casual tweet on X (formerly Twitter), unrelated to the national tragedy. Her post drew immediate anger from users who felt she had ignored a moment of national mourning. One user wrote, “She doesn’t read the room at all… You’re a very stupid girl.”

Ayra Starr fired back with a sharp response: “We not in the same room, babes.”

Her comment, which was seemingly dismissive, intensified the criticism. Many Nigerians took her response as insensitive in the wake of a humanitarian crisis. Reactions online poured in, ranging from dismay to outright condemnation.

@Techtee7: “What’s crazy is, if it’s a foreign country abroad that has a fraction of the deaths, people like her would be very loud and audible about it.”

@40billion_1: “People died in Benue State—200 people, not 20. Someone said you can’t read the room, and your clap back is that you’re not in the same room? If this happened in the US, a slave like you would’ve tweeted about it.”

@ToheebAlim: “Imagine. She doesn’t even know what is going on in her country.”

@dami_jegz1: “Do you not understand what it means that 200+ people died? O se ma n se bayii na, every damn time.”

In the heat of criticism, Ayra Starr took to the same platform on Monday to defend herself and expressed frustration over what she called persistent bullying.

“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,” she wrote.

Her post sparked a new wave of debate. While some supported her position, others felt she missed an opportunity to show empathy at a critical moment.

@dee_fynex: “Cause how many of una male celebrities posted about it… Make una dey attack her instead of politicians.”

@Leged45: “Yeah, you’re funny. You cooked. So far they can’t get to you, it doesn’t matter… This is very insensitive but enjoy.”

@Just2win3: “Once these artistes go international, they start seeing Nigerians as inferior. They probably make more money singing in a pub in the West than performing in Eko Hotel.”

@reallcobby: “They can never be this loud against the big accounts here who are also loud. 100% sure she checked her profile before replying.”

Not everyone agreed with the wave of condemnation. Some users argued that artists, while public figures, are also human and should be allowed room to process national tragedies privately.

@Ivy_Dinma: “All of you in the comments are funny. Y’all have been tweeting but will draw the line now ’cos it’s Ayra.”

@mobolajiA_: “Country dey spoil, you dey broke shame person.”

@jasfean: “Trust me this didn’t bang. Fix up and stop trying to be a banger girl.”

@Bluu4T: “Could we say it’s the age or just plain smelling stupidity, with your panla look eranko.”

Still, others framed the moment as symbolic of the growing disconnect between Nigerian celebrities and the society they represent.

@ArinzeNwaOtu: “This insensitive comment tells poorly on you and the celebrity class in this country: Dumb, stupid, fake, insensitive and total lack of self-awareness.”

@Benjaminja54292: “Nigeria celebrity and ‘I don’t care’ attitude—till e reach your family members.”

@Sir_neyo1: “Person go just fine… No brain cells.”

@_king_vado: “Even Davido dey post ‘with you’ 😓😓😓. Can’t you all just get angry about what’s going on—at least for a week?”

Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, rose to fame with chart-topping singles like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan.” Known for her confident persona and fashion-forward image, she has been both praised and criticised for her bold approach to fame.

This incident has once again raised a recurring debate in Nigeria: Should celebrities be obligated to speak out during national crises? Or do fans expect too much from entertainers whose first calling is not activism but artistry?

As public outrage simmers, one thing remains clear: the line between public expectation and personal expression is increasingly blurry in the social media age.
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