Social commentator, VeryDarkMan, has challenged Benue youths to channel the mobilisation they displayed during Peter Obi’s recent visit to the state into confronting the insecurity ravaging their communities.
VDM said he was initially happy after seeing videos of youths reportedly blocking Obi’s movement, because it showed that Benue youths could mobilise in large numbers when they were determined to act.
However, he said the excitement quickly turned to disappointment when he considered what such collective action could achieve if directed at insecurity and the protection of communities.
“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 social commentator was reacting to the reported disruption of Obi’s movement during his visit to Benue as part of his political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
VDM said he found it troubling that young people who had endured years of killings, attacks on farmers and displacement could allegedly be mobilised against a political visitor.
He recalled protests that followed the Yelwata massacre, saying residents who demanded an end to killings were allegedly dispersed with tear gas.
According to him, the contrast between the two incidents raised questions about the priorities of the youths and the forces capable of mobilising them.
He asked why the same energy displayed during Obi’s visit was not being deployed to demand greater security, accountability and protection for communities facing attacks.
VDM also accused politicians of exploiting the frustrations of young people in Benue for political advantage, urging the youths not to become tools in battles between rival political camps.
He said the incident should instead demonstrate the collective power of Benue youths and encourage them to use that power to demand better governance and security.
“I nearly cried when I watched that video. I was looking at it like, is this my Benue people?” he said.
His comments come amid renewed political tension in Benue following the disruption of Obi’s visit and competing accounts of what led to the incident.