Public commentator Mahdi Shehu makes a harsh assessment of Northern Nigeria, describing it as a “land of the living dead.” Writing on his official X handle on Saturday, Shehu says residents are physically alive but unable to effectively confront growing insecurity and hardship. He describes people as traumatised, fearful, and passive in response to ongoing challenges.
Shehu attributes the situation to what he calls failures in leadership and compromised elites, as well as weak traditional institutions. He also criticises citizens for remaining “docile,” portraying Northern Nigeria as lacking direction and capacity, and he uses additional language to describe the region as being reduced to a “spineless, visionless, planless” status.
In a metaphorical statement, Shehu says “Imams and priests are not available for burial because most of them are standing on a mandate,” framing his remarks around the role of religious figures and institutions. The post triggers public discussion about socio-political and security conditions in the region, though neither source provides independent verification of the claims.
