Nigerian social critic and activist, VeryDarkMan, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reaction to the brutal killing of over 200 residents in Yelwata, a community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to reports by New Daily Prime, the victims were allegedly burned alive during a violent attack by suspected herdsmen. The tragic incident, which has drawn global outrage, is the latest in a string of violent clashes that have plagued the region.
Global and local outrage grows
The massacre has attracted strong condemnation both locally and internationally. Pope Leo was among the first to speak out. He described the killings as a “terrible massacre” and called for immediate justice for the victims.
Following the Pope’s reaction, President Tinubu issued a statement condemning the attack and directing law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible. However, the President also urged the Benue State Government to begin a process of dialogue and reconciliation with the perpetrators, a move that has sparked public criticism.
VeryDarkMan: ‘They are bigger than the president’
Reacting to the President’s statement, VeryDarkMan questioned the logic behind negotiating with individuals responsible for such a horrific crime. In a strongly worded video posted on social media, he claimed that the attackers are “way bigger than the President.”
“The same press release where the President called for arrests also asked Governor Alia to initiate peace talks with these killers. You want to dialogue with people who burn others alive? That alone shows you how powerful they are, more powerful than the President, the APC, the PDP, more powerful than everyone,” he said.
Security agencies accused of turning a blind eye
The activist went on to accuse Nigeria’s top security agencies of ignoring the crisis in Benue. He said it would be “clowning” to believe that the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector General of Police, and the heads of the armed forces are unaware of what has been happening.
“The only reason people are talking now is because I had to go there and show the video. Many Nigerians have become numb to the news of killings in Benue. That’s what scares me most. Over 200 people were slaughtered, and no one talked about it. It didn’t even trend,” he lamented.
Details of the attack revealed
VeryDarkMan revealed shocking details about how the attackers carried out the massacre. According to him, they arrived with large containers of fuel and assault rifles, poured petrol on buildings, and set them ablaze while people were still inside.
“These people didn’t just show up randomly. They came with AK-47s and gallons of fuel. When they opened the doors, they poured fuel inside and set everything on fire. The question is: how did they get into that community unnoticed? Where did they pass? Who allowed them access?” he asked.
Call for armed self-defence
In his video, the activist called on farmers and residents of Benue State to defend themselves, suggesting that they obtain licensed firearms.
“This has gone beyond what the government can handle. If the people of Benue don’t protect themselves, no one will. Every farmer needs to get a gun, legally, and be ready to defend their lives and land,” he urged.
Joined protest in Makurdi
On Sunday, VeryDarkMan joined hundreds of Benue youths in a protest held in Makurdi, the state capital. The demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the killings and to demand stronger action from both state and federal governments.
The protesters called for justice, improved security, and immediate government intervention. Many carried placards with messages such as “Stop the killings in Benue” and “We want justice now.”
As the death toll continues to rise and communities live in fear, many Nigerians are demanding not just justice but also long-term solutions to end the cycle of violence that has plagued Benue and other parts of the country.
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