Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga Sparks Outrage With ‘Shoot-at-Sight’ Comment on Vandals
A senior presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, has stirred widespread controversy after calling for a “shoot-at-sight” response against individuals caught vandalizing government property, a statement that has triggered intense debate across Nigeria.
Onanuga, who serves as a media aide to the President, made the remark while reacting to incidents of vandalism affecting public infrastructure. In his statement, he described vandals as “the worst species of citizens”, arguing that strong and decisive action is required to curb the destruction of government assets.
His comments quickly gained traction on social media, drawing sharp reactions from Nigerians, civil society groups, and human rights advocates. While some users supported his tough stance, citing the economic damage caused by vandalism, many others criticized the comment as extreme and inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.
Critics argued that calling for extrajudicial measures such as shoot-at-sight undermines constitutional protections and due process. Several legal experts noted that Nigerian law provides clear penalties for vandalism, which must be enforced through arrest, investigation, and prosecution rather than summary punishment.
Human rights advocates also warned that such rhetoric from a government official could encourage abuse by security agencies and escalate violence. They stressed that public officials should promote lawful enforcement and accountability, not language that could be interpreted as endorsing extrajudicial killings.
Supporters of Onanuga’s position, however, argued that vandalism of public infrastructure—such as power installations, pipelines, and public facilities—has cost the country billions of naira and disrupted essential services. They said strong deterrence is necessary to protect national assets.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official clarification or retraction from Onanuga regarding the statement, nor has the Presidency issued a formal position on the remarks. The comment continues to fuel debate on social media, highlighting broader concerns about security, governance, and the limits of state power.
The incident has once again brought to the fore ongoing discussions about balancing public safety, infrastructure protection, and respect for human rights in Nigeria.
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