Social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has challenged youths in Benue State to redirect their capacity for mass mobilisation towards confronting insecurity rather than disrupting the activities of political figures.
VDM made the call while reacting to the recent disruption of former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential hopeful Peter Obi’s visit to Benue State, where some youths reportedly blocked his movement.
In a video shared on his social media platforms, the activist said he was initially impressed by the number of youths who mobilised during the incident, but became concerned when he considered what could be achieved if similar energy were deployed against banditry and attacks on communities.
According to him, the incident demonstrated that Benue youths have the numbers and organisational capacity to mobilise when they are determined to act.
“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.
VDM expressed particular disappointment that young people who have endured years of insecurity, including attacks on farmers and the killing of residents, could be mobilised to disrupt a political visit.
He also referred to protests that followed the Yelewata massacre, arguing that residents who took to the streets to demand action against insecurity had faced resistance, including the use of tear gas.
He questioned why the same level of determination displayed during Obi’s disrupted visit was not being deployed to demand stronger security measures, accountability and better governance.
The social commentator further accused politicians of exploiting the frustrations of young people for political purposes while failing to adequately address the challenges confronting their communities.
He urged Benue youths not to allow themselves to become instruments in political struggles between rival camps, stressing that their collective strength would be more beneficial if directed towards issues affecting their survival and wellbeing.
“I nearly cried when I watched that video. I was looking at it like, ‘Is this my Benue people?’” VDM said.
He maintained that the controversy surrounding Obi’s visit should serve as a wake-up call for young people in the state to reconsider how they deploy their collective power.
Rather than using their numbers to attack or frustrate political opponents, he urged them to demand security, accountability and effective governance from those in positions of authority.
His comments come amid renewed political tension in Benue following the disruption of Obi’s visit and the divergent accounts surrounding the circumstances that led to the incident.
