Benue Killings: VeryDarkMan Blasts Federal Government, Says Herdsmen Are Untouchable
Popular social commentator and activist, VeryDarkMan, has openly criticised the Nigerian government’s response to the recent mass killing of civilians in Benue State, describing the situation as one that has spiralled beyond the control of the country’s leadership.
His reaction follows reports that over 200 residents were burned alive in Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue, during a deadly attack believed to have been carried out by armed herdsmen.
The incident has drawn national and international condemnation, including from Pope Leo, who described it as a “terrible massacre” and called for justice. In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged the Benue State government to pursue dialogue and reconciliation, a move that has sparked outrage from some Nigerians.
Speaking in a video shared on social media, VeryDarkMan strongly rejected the president’s call for talks with the attackers, stating that such a move shows the attackers are operating with impunity.
“This is proof that the herdsmen are bigger than the government. Bigger than the president, APC, PDP—everyone,” he said.
The activist also accused the nation’s security agencies of feigning ignorance, insisting that key officials such as the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector General of Police, and the Chief of Defence Staff are fully aware of the ongoing violence in Benue but have failed to act.
“It’s ridiculous to suggest that these top officials don’t know what’s going on. These attackers didn’t sneak in unnoticed – they came with gallons of petrol and automatic weapons. How could they not be seen?” he queried.
He also expressed concern over the general apathy toward the mass killings, noting that the story barely made headlines until he personally visited the scene and shared footage online.
“It scares me how people have become numb to this news. Over 200 people were killed and it didn’t trend—nobody talked about it. That’s why I had to go there,” he said.
Calling for self-defence measures, VeryDarkMan urged Benue residents – especially farmers – to arm themselves legally, warning that government intervention may no longer be sufficient to protect lives.
“This is now about survival. Every farmer in Benue needs to get a licensed weapon. The people must be empowered to defend themselves,” he added.
VeryDarkMan also joined hundreds of Benue youths in a protest march on Sunday in Makurdi, calling for justice and immediate action to end the bloodshed.
Watch him speak below;
