A well-known social activist, Comrade Abiyo Roni — identified on X (formerly Twitter) as @AbbaM_Abiyos — has been declared missing in Jigawa State, sparking widespread concern among residents, civil society actors and online communities.
Abiyo, a vocal critic of what he often described as wasteful governance at the local level, reportedly disappeared shortly after posting photos of a controversial empowerment initiative rolled out by the Chairman of Roni Local Government Area. The programme involved distributing locally fabricated wheelbarrows and yellow water jerrycans to residents, an initiative the council said was meant to “empower youths and help them make ends meet.”
The images, which quickly went viral, showed selected beneficiaries posing with wheelbarrows loaded with new jerrycans. But while some locals praised the gesture, many Nigerians online condemned it as a symbol of government insensitivity amid a worsening economic crisis.
Shortly after sharing the photos, Abiyo’s online activity ceased. His last post was over 24 hours ago, and repeated attempts by friends and colleagues to reach him reportedly failed.
The activist’s unexplained disappearance has prompted allegations that he may have been detained over his criticism of the programme.
One of his associates, Yaya Abba, took to X to raise the alarm:
“Where’s @AbbaM_Abiyos?? This is the question many of us are asking following the sudden disappearance of our brother, allegedly after he posted about the local government chairman empowering his people with a wheelbarrow.”
He added that if Abiyo’s detention is confirmed, it would reflect “a clear disregard for the law and for the welfare of his people.”
Another user, Kawu Garba, expressed worry over Abiyo’s silence, noting:
“Where is Comrade @AbbaM_Abiyos? It has been 24 hours since he posted, and his phone number is still unreachable.”
Similarly, activist Al’ameen called for immediate action from security agencies, using the hashtag #FreeAbiyos, which began gaining traction online.
While the uproar continues, the empowerment programme itself has split public opinion. Some residents in Roni described the wheelbarrows and jerrycans as a “small but meaningful contribution” that could help struggling youths start informal trades such as water vending or goods transportation.
However, many Nigerians viewed the initiative as a stark example of misplaced priorities, especially during a period of rising poverty, escalating inflation and declining purchasing power.
One user on X, @OrogwuJames, defended the programme as a “welcome development,” but others sharply disagreed, arguing that such gestures highlight the deepening poverty and systemic failures in local governance.
Chronicle Reporters reached out to officials of the Roni Local Government Council for comments on the alleged detention of the activist, but no response had been received at the time of filing this report.
Residents and human rights advocates are now calling on security agencies in Jigawa State to investigate Abiyo’s whereabouts and ensure his safe return.