Public commentator Mahdi Shehu has described Northern Nigeria as a “land of the living dead,” expressing concern over what he sees as worsening insecurity and hardship in the region.
He made the remark on Saturday via his official X account, where he painted a bleak picture of residents he said are physically alive but overwhelmed by fear, trauma, and helplessness.
According to him, many people in the region have become unable to effectively respond to the challenges around them due to ongoing insecurity and economic difficulties.
Shehu also criticised leadership in the North, alleging a lack of credible direction and accountability. He blamed what he called compromised elites and weak traditional institutions for failing to protect and guide the people.
He further argued that citizens have become passive in the face of worsening conditions, allowing the situation to deteriorate further.
In his post, he wrote: “The current inhabitants of Northern Nigeria are alive but dead. They are spineless, visionless, planless and have been reduced into a priceless laughing stock… all surrounded by envy, hate, greed and man’s inhumanity to man.”
He also added a striking remark saying, “RIP Northern Nigeria,” while criticising religious leaders for what he described as lack of effective moral leadership.
BACKSTORY…
The statement by public commentator Mahdi Shehu comes amid ongoing concerns about insecurity, poverty, and governance challenges in Northern Nigeria, which has faced years of violence from banditry, kidnappings, and communal conflicts alongside worsening economic hardship.
Shehu made the comments on his official X account, where he strongly criticised the state of the region’s leadership and social structure. He argued that many residents are living under fear and trauma due to persistent insecurity, which he says has weakened public resistance and demand for accountability.
In his post, he also targeted political elites and traditional institutions, accusing them of failing to provide effective leadership or protection for citizens. He further claimed that some religious figures are more focused on political alignment than addressing the suffering of the people.
His remarks reflect a broader pattern of public frustration and debate over security and governance in Northern Nigeria, where critics often highlight the gap between leadership responsibility and the lived reality of citizens.
