Ben Murray-Bruce, founder of the Silverbird Group and former Bayelsa East Senator, warned on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during an interview with global affairs expert Dane Waters, that World War III is inevitable due to escalating global violence, nuclear proliferation, and the rise of “trigger-happy” leaders. He predicted the conflict would devastate much of the world but asserted that Africa, particularly Nigeria, would remain unscathed due to its lack of nuclear ambitions, peaceful diplomacy, and absence of territorial disputes. “The beauty of World War III is that it’s not going to affect Africa. Africa will be spared,” Murray-Bruce stated, adding that Nigeria’s friendly relations with West African neighbors and neutral stance would shield it from the fallout.
Murray-Bruce suggested Nigeria could serve as a safe haven for displaced populations from conflict zones, humorously noting, “We’ll be happy to welcome Americans, Israelis, and Iranians to Nigeria,” while emphasizing proper visa processes to manage influxes humanely. He attributed the looming global crisis to “crazy people” in leadership, comparing current tensions to those preceding World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. “As long as we elect crazy people into leadership positions, this is what we’re going to have,” he said, citing easy access to weapons and despotic tendencies among some leaders. His remarks come amid the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict, which has killed 224 Iranians and 23 Israelis since June 13, 2025 (Reuters), and driven Brent crude prices to $74 per barrel (South China Morning Post), with fears of a broader war if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz.
The prediction sparked mixed reactions on X, with @SaharaReporters amplifying Murray-Bruce’s claim that Nigeria’s neutrality would protect it, while @Naija_PR questioned the feasibility of hosting refugees given Nigeria’s economic strain (33.9% inflation, NBS April 2025). Analysts note Nigeria’s non-alignment, as seen in its abstention from NATO and BRICS military pacts, and its role in ECOWAS peacekeeping, supports Murray-Bruce’s view of its relative safety. However, critics like @ChuksEricE argue internal challenges, including 2,500 terrorism deaths in Q1 2025 (ACLED) and 2 million IDPs in Benue, could undermine Nigeria’s capacity to remain a sanctuary. Murray-Bruce’s stark warning, rooted in historical parallels and current geopolitics, underscores global anxieties, with the U.S.’s demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” on June 17 (BBC News) and ongoing G7 talks in Kananaskis intensifying fears of escalation.
Leave a Reply