Rita Odafe
On Sunday, notable Nigerian activist and influencer Vincent Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, made his way to Makurdi to express support for the demonstrators in Benue State who are calling for an end to the ongoing violence in their areas.
The protest started earlier in the day, with thousands of young individuals occupying the Abuja-Makurdi road.
Dressed in black and carrying placards and palm fronds, the protestors remained peaceful while calling for justice for over 200 individuals who lost their lives in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, just a day prior.
However, tensions increased when security personnel intervened and discharged tear gas in an effort to disperse the non-violent assembly. This triggered panic as protestors sought refuge, and some reportedly sustained injuries amid the turmoil.
VeryDarkMan, who arrived during the upheaval, criticized the forceful actions taken against the peaceful civilians who were advocating for justice.
“This is unacceptable,” he remarked in a video broadcast on his social media. “These young people are grieving for their lost ones, yet the government opts for tear gas instead of taking meaningful action. We must not remain silent.”
