Benue Youths End Protest Over Killings After VeryDarkMan’s Powerful Intervention

Benue Boils Over Killings: Protest Grips Makurdi Before VeryDarkMan Intervenes

On Sunday morning, the city of Makurdi, capital of Benue State, was brought to a standstill as thousands of angry youths launched a massive protest over the persistent killings plaguing their communities. The demonstrators took over the strategic Wurukum Roundabout, a major transit route connecting Northern and Southern Nigeria, halting traffic and drawing national attention to the escalating insecurity in the state.
Despite attempts by the Benue State Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, and Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, to persuade the protesters to vacate the roads, the youths stood their ground. Their cries were simple but powerful: “Stop the Benue killings,” “We will not surrender to Fulani,” and “Government has failed us,” inscriptions boldly written on their placards as they waved tree branches and sang protest songs.

Benue Boils Over Killings: Protest Grips Makurdi Before VeryDarkMan Intervenes

The protest, which began around 7 a.m., was the culmination of deep-rooted frustration over unrelenting attacks by armed groups, believed to be herdsmen, in various communities across Benue State. The tipping point came after another gruesome attack in Yelewata, a community not far from Makurdi, where several people, including children, were killed and burned.

One of the youth leaders, Seedoff Mbapuun, popularly known as Benue Pete Edochie, expressed the pain of the community:

“These attacks have been going on for years. No one is safe anymore. People are being killed daily in Benue, but the world is silent. We've had enough. That’s why we’re here—to let the world see our pain.”

Despite heavy police presence, including surveillance helicopters and tactical units, the protesters refused to disperse. Instead, they intensified their occupation, bringing out cooking utensils and two bags of rice, signaling their readiness to stay indefinitely.
Police Commissioner Emenari, while addressing the protesters, reassured them that efforts were ongoing to restore peace and protect lives. He noted that special tactical teams had been deployed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to volatile areas such as Apa, Gwer West, and Agatu.

“Some of the bandits were neutralized during the last confrontation. The Tactical Team engaged them in Yelewata for over six hours. We are doing all we can, but we need your support. By blocking roads, you’re giving the enemies a chance to regroup,” Emenari stated.

But the assurances did little to pacify the determined youths, who chanted, “Go to Yelewata! Go to Yelewata!” in response.

Deputy Governor Samuel Ode later arrived at the scene to address the demonstrators. However, the situation took a chaotic turn as the youths booed him and demanded the presence of the governor himself, Hyacinth Alia. Refusing to listen, they urged Ode to leave the scene, leading to his abrupt departure.
In an attempt to disperse the crowd, police fired several rounds of tear gas canisters, triggering a brief stampede. Yet the protesters regrouped and shifted their action to the busy New Otukpo Road, where they created bonfires and blocked adjoining junctions, stretching the protest all the way to Abu King Shuluwa Road.

Just as tension peaked, popular social media activist and influencer Martins Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan (VDM), drove in from Konshisha Street and arrived at the protest scene. His appearance caused a stir, with excited youths surging forward to see him.
His presence quickly changed the mood. Addressing the crowd at the UBA junction, VDM delivered a heartfelt and fiery message. He confirmed seeing the horrifying aftermath of the Yelewata attack firsthand:

“I saw things that I cannot unsee—children burnt to ashes, crops destroyed, entire families wiped out. This has been going on since I was a boy. We keep hearing 'Benue killings,' and nothing is done. What kind of leadership do we have?”

He condemned the state’s long-standing insecurity, noting its impact on youth development and economic stagnation.

“No investor will come to a place where lives are not safe. Youths will become frustrated and take to crime. The government must act, and act now.”

VDM, however, urged the youths to protest intelligently and peacefully, warning against the consequences of violent or obstructive tactics:

“The era of burning tyres and blocking roads is over. We must be strategic. When you block roads, the police respond with tear gas; that's expected. But imagine organizing a peaceful march around the Government House, with your phones broadcasting live. The government won’t ignore that.”

He emphasized the power of unity, peaceful demonstration, and social media advocacy in pushing for change. His words resonated deeply with the crowd.

Following his appeal, the youths agreed to clear the blocked roads and extinguish the bonfires. They accompanied VDM to the Wurukum Roundabout, where he continued to appeal for calm even as police fired more tear gas. He urged the crowd to plan a more organized protest in the future, with police approval, to ensure safety and effectiveness.

“Let us go back, plan properly, and come out again—louder, better organized, and protected by the police. That’s how we make a lasting impact.”

Full video available here... 

With that, the protest, which had paralyzed parts of Makurdi for over five hours, was brought to an end. The youths, still singing solidarity songs, began to disperse, grateful that someone had finally listened and given them a voice. Tragedy in Benue: APC Chieftain Johnson Akaabo, Six Others Killed in Herdsmen Attacks

The Benue protest is a stark reminder of the silent suffering many Nigerian communities endure. The people of Benue have faced years of attacks without meaningful intervention. While VDM’s intervention brought temporary calm, the core issue remains: the killings must stop, and the government must act.
Until then, the voice of Benue will not be silenced.
Share your thoughts:
Do you think the government is doing enough to protect lives in Benue?
What role can influencers like VeryDarkMan play in community activism?

By PrimeLineInfo