Popular social media activist and influencer, Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, arrived in Makurdi on Sunday to support protesting youths in Benue State, who are calling for an end to the continued killings in their communities.
The demonstration, which began earlier in the day, drew thousands of youths to the Abuja-Makurdi highway. Clad in black and carrying placards and palm fronds, the protesters maintained a peaceful presence as they demanded justice for over 200 people reportedly killed in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, just a day prior.
The mood shifted when security operatives deployed to the scene fired teargas to disperse the unarmed crowd. The move triggered chaos, with many protesters fleeing for safety and some reportedly sustaining injuries.
VeryDarkMan, who arrived during the crackdown, strongly condemned the security forces’ response. In a livestream on his social media platforms, he stated:
“This is unacceptable. These young people are mourning their loved ones, yet the government chooses to respond with teargas instead of action. We cannot be silent.”
His presence and outcry have since amplified national attention on the situation in Benue, sparking widespread calls for accountability and swift government intervention.
