The controversy started after Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa posted a video on Monday showing a young girl named Mercy, who had been trafficked to Libya but was later rescued.
In response to that post, an X user identified as Wale Akere (@akerele\_s) praised the NIDCOM chairman’s efforts but launched into an ethnic slur against Igbos, calling them “monkeys,” “children of gorillas,” and “bastards.”
He wrote, “My sister you are doing well allow those monkeys to continue to make unnecessary noises they are born to be ungrateful people. Those animals tagging you they are children of gorilla history told us about them. Kudos to you madam @abikedabiri. @Voiceofigbos see what my sister has done omo ale jatijati.”
Instead of ignoring or condemning the offensive remarks, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa reposted the comment with laughing memes, which many saw as endorsing the abuse.
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The repost quickly gained traction on X, sparking outrage among social media users, with many accusing the NIDCOM boss of fueling ethnic divisions.
One user, @O.David09926893, wrote: “This is the lowest I have ever seen in the history of Nigeria!!!”
Another, @fybebreed, commented: “I thought this page was being handled by a responsible Woman but seriously I see it’s for her tribe interest. And we will respond to you as a tribal bigot.”
Similarly, @MrOzor1 added: “One useless fellow who happened to be pushed into the corridors of authority. You never disappoint. You always show the stuff you are made of, a concatenation of vicious and virulent characters hidden behind makeups.”
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KanyiDaily recalls that Abike Dabiri-Erewa recently urged Cape Verde’s authorities to release a group of Nigerian tourists who were recently detained in the country.
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