VeryDarkMan Calls Out Nigerian Government: Herdsmen Outweigh Authority in Benue Crisis
Nigerian social commentator VeryDarkMan has taken a sharp jab at President Bola Tinubu’s stance on the tragic killing of over 200 people in Benue State. The horrific incident, where victims were reportedly burnt alive in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area, has sparked outrage both locally and internationally.
Following global condemnation and a strong denunciation from Pope Leo, who labeled the massacre as “terrible” and demanded justice, President Tinubu urged the Benue government to engage in dialogue with the perpetrators. This call for reconciliation, however, did not sit well with VeryDarkMan.
He argued that the herdsmen are “far bigger than the President” and criticized the government’s approach, suggesting it amounts to negotiating with those responsible for barbaric acts. “You want to dialogue with people who are burning others alive? That shows they hold more power than the President himself. This isn’t about politics or bashing Tinubu’s administration; it’s simply the truth. These herdsmen are bigger than APC, PDP, and everyone else,” he stated.
VeryDarkMan also accused the Nigerian government and security agencies of being fully aware of the attackers’ movements and methods. “It would be ridiculous if the DG of DSS or the IG of Police claimed ignorance about what’s happening in Benue. The Chief of Defence Staff and Army officials can’t feign ignorance either. The reason people are reacting now is because I brought the evidence forward. Many have grown numb to the news of killings in Benue, and that’s the real tragedy. Over 200 people were killed, and it barely made headlines,” he lamented.
He went on to describe the brutal nature of the attacks: “These attackers came armed with gallons of fuel and AK-47s. They poured fuel inside homes and set them ablaze. How did they get past security with such firepower? It’s beyond just a security lapse.”
Calling for urgent action, VeryDarkMan urged, “Every farmer in Benue should arm themselves legally. This crisis has outgrown the government’s ability to intervene effectively. Without means of self-defense, the people are helpless.”
On Sunday, VeryDarkMan joined Benue youths in a protest in Makurdi, the state capital, demanding justice and safety for the people.