By Oge Okonkwo
Social media critic VeryDarkMan has urged young people in
Benue State to use their power to mobilise against insecurity instead of
allowing politicians to draw them into rival political battles.
He made the call while commenting on the disruption of the
recent visit to the state by Peter Obi, a potential candidate in the 2027
presidential election.
In a video posted on his social media platforms, VeryDarkMan
said the large number of youths involved in the incident first caught his
attention.
He said their turnout showed that young people in Benue
could organise themselves quickly and act collectively when they believed
strongly in a cause.
But he questioned why the same determination was not being
directed towards the killings, attacks on farmers and other security threats
affecting communities across the state.
“If Benue youths can come out in numbers to chase somebody,
tomorrow when bandits or terrorists attack, we know say una get squad wey sabi
chase,” he said.
The critic said he was troubled that residents who had lived
through years of violence could be mobilised for a political confrontation, yet
appeared unable to sustain similar pressure over insecurity.
He referred to protests that followed the Yelewata massacre,
alleging that demonstrators demanding an end to the killings were dispersed
with tear gas.
VeryDarkMan also accused politicians of exploiting public
anger for political advantage without doing enough to protect residents or
address the state’s security problems.
He urged Benue youths to reject attempts by political groups
to use them against opponents, saying the controversy over Obi’s visit should
prompt serious reflection.
“I nearly cried when I watched that video. I was looking at
it like, ‘Is this my Benue people?’” he said.
He called on young people to redirect their collective
strength towards demanding effective security, responsible leadership and
greater protection for their communities.
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