Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Sunday successfully persuaded angry Benue youths to end their prolonged protest over the killings in the state after government officials and police appeals failed.
The protest, which began as early as 7am, saw thousands of aggrieved youths take over the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, halting vehicular movement between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
The demonstrators, dressed in black and wielding placards with messages such as “Stop Benue killings” and “Government has failed us”, refused to back down despite appeals from the Benue State Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, and Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode.
Amid escalating tension, even helicopters hovering low over the area failed to disperse the crowd. The protest was triggered by the recent massacre of over 200 residents in Yelewata by suspected armed herdsmen — the latest in a string of deadly attacks in the state.
One of the protest leaders, known online as Seedoff Mbapuun a.k.a. Benue Pete Edochie, said:
“People are killed every day in Benue and the world is not aware. We have had enough, that is why we came out to let the world know.”
Despite efforts by security authorities to restore calm, including promises of special police forces and tactical operations from the Inspector-General of Police, the protesters remained resolute.
The situation worsened when the Deputy Governor was booed and asked to leave the scene, followed by police firing teargas to disperse the crowd, which led to a stampede. The defiant youths then took over New Otukpo Road, making bonfires and blocking major junctions.
It was at this heated moment that VDM arrived from Konshisha Street. His presence sparked jubilation, as many surged forward to welcome him.
Addressing the crowd at UBA Junction, VDM recounted his emotional visit to Yelewata:
“Before coming here, I saw alarming things I have never seen in my life. I saw children burnt to ashes, crops and food destroyed, and we have a government.”
He appealed for calm, discouraging violent demonstrations and encouraging a smarter, more strategic approach to protests:
“If we are protesting, we must also use our brains. The pattern of blocking the road will not yield the desired result… If you continue to make bonfires, it will only give the police reason to use teargas. Let’s be civil. This is 2025.”
VDM further advised the youths to plan a more organised protest with police approval, stressing that peaceful demonstration could still be powerful and effective.
His intervention led to the gradual opening of roads and dispersal of the crowd, who hailed him as a hero. The youths later led him back to the Wurukum Roundabout where he helped calm lingering tensions as police continued to fire teargas canisters.
What you should know
VeryDarkMan’s timely arrival and calm advocacy helped de-escalate a volatile situation in Benue State. His call for peaceful and strategic protest highlights the power of non-violent activism in drawing national attention to the ongoing killings and insecurity ravaging rural communities.
