Popular social media activist, Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, stormed Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Sunday to lend his voice to the ongoing youth protest demanding an end to the spate of killings plaguing communities across the state.
Naijaonpoint reports that the protest, which began in the early hours of Sunday, saw thousands of angry youths block the ever-busy Abuja-Makurdi highway, wielding placards, palm fronds, and clad in black attire, a symbol of mourning.
The demonstration came less than 24 hours after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly massacred over 200 people in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area. The protesters, visibly grief-stricken, accused the government of neglect and inaction in the face of repeated bloodshed.
Tensions quickly escalated when security operatives moved in to disperse the peaceful protest, firing teargas canisters into the crowd.
VeryDarkMan, who arrived during the commotion, condemned the police response, describing it as insensitive and unjust.
In a livestream video shared across his platforms, the influencer said, “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.”
He continued, “These are Nigerians, not criminals. All they are asking for is security, justice, and dignity. If this is how a grieving population is treated, what hope do we have?”
See the video below: