In the aftermath of the tragic Palm Sunday attacks in Plateau State, a fierce online dispute has erupted between popular Nigerian rapper Skales and high-profile nightlife promoter Cubana Chief Priest. The feud, which has dominated entertainment headlines today,is rooted in what Skales describes as “insensitive and delusional” comments made by Chief Priest regarding the deadly violence that rocked Jos North.

The confrontation underscores the ongoing tension between celebrity political alignments and the grim realities of national security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in regions prone to insurgency and communal violence.

The Trigger: Chief Priest’s Controversial Commentary

The controversy began after Cubana Chief Priest (real name Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu) shared his thoughts on social media about the coordinated attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, which took place on March 29, 2026. In his statement, Chief Priest suggested that the timing of the attacks which resulted in dozens of deaths and prompted a 48-hour statewide curfew was not necessarily a failure of Nigeria’s security apparatus. Instead, he implied that the attacks were orchestrated, at least politically, to “embarrass President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” whose 74th birthday fell on March 30, just a day after the violence.

Many Nigerians were left shocked by the comments, which appeared to reduce a horrific humanitarian tragedy to a political talking point. Chief Priest, known widely as the “Celebrity Barman,” has long been vocal about his support for President Tinubu, and this incident has reignited debates about the intersection of celebrity influence, politics, and public accountability.

Skales Responds: A Call for Empathy Over Politics

Rapper Skales (Raoul John Njeng-Njeng) did not hold back in his reaction. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram Stories, the “Shake Body” crooner criticized Chief Priest for turning a tragedy into a political narrative, calling the remarks “delusional” and “disgusting.”

“It is actually disgusting to see someone with such a huge platform claim that people being slaughtered in their homes is about ‘embarrassing’ a politician. This is beyond delusional; it is a lack of empathy for the families who are currently mourning. Real lives were lost, Chief Priest. This isn’t a nightclub promotion!” — Skales

Skales further condemned what he described as the growing culture of political sycophancy among Nigerian celebrities. In his view, the focus in moments of crisis should always be on the victims, the security failures that allowed such tragedies, and the grieving communities not the feelings or public image of political leaders.

Public Reaction: A Country Divided

The debate between Skales and Chief Priest has sparked a significant divide among Nigerians, particularly within the entertainment industry and social media users.

Team Skales: Many Nigerians have rallied behind the rapper, praising his insistence on prioritizing empathy over political spin. “Jos is not a joke,” one user wrote. “People are in a curfew, students at UNIJOS can’t write exams, and someone is talking about a birthday. Skales spoke the truth.”
Team Chief Priest: A smaller faction defended the socialite, arguing that he was merely pointing out the cruel timing of the attacks, which coincided with a national celebration, rather than diminishing the human cost.

The debate highlights a larger societal tension: the responsibility of public figures to address national tragedies with sensitivity, and the sometimes blurred line between political commentary and moral accountability.

The Situation on the Ground in Jos

While the celebrities continue their online confrontation, the city of Jos and surrounding communities remain in mourning and under strict security measures.

Casualties: Official reports confirm 14 deaths, but local sources suggest that the toll could be closer to 30. Families and community members are still coming to terms with the devastation.
Curfew and Security Measures: Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 48-hour curfew, which is set to be reviewed today, Apr as security forces maintain a heavy presence across flashpoints in Jos North.
Academic Disruption: The University of Jos has postponed all exams for the week indefinitely, prioritizing the safety of students amid ongoing threats.

These facts paint a stark picture of a city struggling to return to normalcy while dealing with the immediate aftermath of violence and loss.

Broader Implications: Celebrity Influence and National Responsibility

This feud serves as a critical reminder of the power and responsibility that come with a massive social media following. In a country grappling with rising inflation (currently over 15%) and persistent security challenges, the words of celebrities carry weight both socially and politically.

Reducing human tragedies to political theater, as many argue Chief Priest has done, risks trivializing the grief of victims and exacerbating societal divisions. Conversely, voices like Skales’ illustrate the growing expectation that public figures act with empathy and moral responsibility, especially when addressing national crises.

As of the evening of march 31st, Cubana Chief Priest has yet to retract his comments or issue a formal apology, while Skales continues to share updates, prayers, and calls for unity on behalf of the people of Plateau State.

Ultimately, the debate extends beyond two celebrities; it is a reflection of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance political discourse, public safety, and social responsibility in an era where online platforms can amplify both truth and insensitivity in equal measure.

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