SaharaReporters gathered that Abiyo, who is well known in Roni for his civic activism and frequent criticism of local government waste, disappeared shortly after uploading photos of the event on social media.
Asocial activist identified as Comrade Abiyo Roni, known on X (formerly Twitter) as @AbbaM_Abiyos, has reportedly gone missing in Jigawa State.
This was after he posted photos of a controversial “empowerment” programme by the Chairman of Roni Local Government Area, who distributed locally fabricated wheelbarrows and water jerrycans to residents.
SaharaReporters gathered that Abiyo, who is well known in Roni for his civic activism and frequent criticism of local government waste, disappeared shortly after uploading photos of the event on social media. The post, which went viral on X, showed beneficiaries smiling beside brand new wheelbarrows loaded with yellow water jerrycans.
The initiative, launched by the Roni Local Government Chairman, was reportedly meant to “empower youths and help them make ends meet” by providing tools for small-scale water and goods vending.
But the project has triggered outrage among Nigerians, many of whom described it as “insensitive” and “ridiculous” given the worsening cost of living across the country.
Not long after the post, friends and colleagues of the activist began raising the alarm that he could not be reached.
His last online activity was over 24 hours ago.
“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,” wrote Yaya Abba, one of his close associates, on X.
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.
If the reports of his unconstitutional detention by the… pic.twitter.com/2C13W1Zrwl
— YaYa Abba. 🫶🏻 (@Maxajee) November 13, 2025
He added: “If the reports of his unconstitutional detention by the local government chairman are true, it clearly shows a disregard for the law and for the welfare of his people.” Another user, Kawu Garba, expressed concern over the activist’s silence: “Where is Comrade @AbbaM_Abiyos? It has been 24 hours since he posted, and his phone number is still unreachable.”
Where is Comrade @AbbaM_Abiyos? It has been 24 hours since he posted, and his phone number is still unreachable. pic.twitter.com/7CAY9aF3BG — Kawu Garba (@KawuGarba) November 13, 2025
Similarly, Al’ameen, another activist, called for immediate intervention by authorities: “Our brother @AbbaM_Abiyos has been missing for 24 hours now, and rumors suggest his arrest is linked to his political posts. We’re calling on security agencies in Jigawa to release him immediately. #FreeAbiyos.”
Our brother @AbbaM_Abiyos has been missing for 24 hours now, and rumors suggest his arrest is linked to his political posts. We’re calling on security agencies in Jigawa to release him immediately. #FreeAbiyos pic.twitter.com/63KXcWhztr
— Al’ameen (@A__yabo) November 13, 2025
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters observed that reactions to the empowerment programme remain sharply divided. While some residents of Roni expressed gratitude for what they described as a “small but meaningful” gesture from the chairman, many Nigerians online blasted the initiative as a symbol of government failure and misplaced priorities.
One user, @OrogwuJames, defended the project, saying it was “a welcome development” that could “help struggling youths start something.” But others countered that such “handouts” demean citizens and reflect the deep poverty created by corrupt and visionless leadership
