Popular Nigerian social commentator VeryDarkMan has challenged youths in Benue State to redirect the energy they demonstrate during political activities towards confronting the insecurity affecting communities across the state.
VeryDarkMan made the call while reacting to the disruption of the movement of 2027 presidential hopeful Peter Obi during his recent visit to Benue. According to the social commentator, the large turnout of youths during the incident demonstrated that young people in the state have the ability to mobilise quickly and in significant numbers when they are motivated by a particular cause.
He said the development made him reflect on what could be achieved if the same level of organisation and collective action were directed towards demanding stronger security and protection for communities facing attacks.
“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,” VeryDarkMan said in a video shared on his social media platforms.
The social commentator said he was particularly concerned because Benue residents have experienced years of insecurity, including attacks affecting farmers and communities. He questioned why young people who can mobilise for political confrontations could not demonstrate similar determination when their communities are threatened by violence.
VeryDarkMan also referred to protests that followed the Yelewata massacre, alleging that residents who took to the streets to demand an end to killings were dispersed with tear gas. He used the incident to question the different levels of mobilisation witnessed during political activities and protests over insecurity.
He argued that the political divisions surrounding Obi’s visit should not overshadow the larger challenges confronting ordinary people in the state. In his view, young people should be careful not to allow themselves to become instruments in political battles between competing political interests while insecurity continues to affect communities.
The activist further accused politicians of exploiting the frustrations of young people for political advantage without doing enough to address the security challenges confronting Benue. He urged youths to recognise the influence they possess when they act collectively and to use that influence to demand accountability from those in authority.
“I nearly cried when I watched that video. I was looking at it like, ‘Is this my Benue people?’” he said.
VeryDarkMan’s message ultimately centred on the need for young people to look beyond political rivalries and focus their collective strength on issues that directly affect their communities. He called for greater pressure for improved security, responsible governance and the protection of lives and livelihoods.
His comments come amid continuing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, where the mobilisation of young voters is expected to remain an important factor. The controversy surrounding Obi’s visit, according to VeryDarkMan, should therefore serve as a broader reminder of the power of youth mobilisation and how that influence can be directed towards community concerns.For Benue, a state where insecurity has repeatedly affected communities and agricultural activities, the call raises a wider question about the role young people can play in demanding lasting solutions. Rather than allowing political interests to define their mobilisation, VeryDarkMan urged the youths to use their collective voice to push for security, good governance and greater protection for residents.
