If you can chase Obi, chase bandits – VDM challenges Benue youths
Social Media Critic Urges Benue Youths to Mobilize Against Insecurity
Popular social media commentator VeryDarkMan has called on youths in Benue State to redirect their mobilization efforts from political events to addressing the serious issue of insecurity in their communities.
The appeal followed an incident during a recent visit by 2027 presidential hopeful Peter Obi, where the movement of the politician was disrupted by a gathering of youths. In a video posted on his social media platforms, VeryDarkMan expressed initial admiration for the large turnout, suggesting it demonstrated the youths’ potential to mobilize effectively when motivated by a cause.
However, he expressed concern that this same energy has not been harnessed to combat violence and insecurity plaguing the state. “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 stated.
He emphasized the pain of seeing youths, who have lived through years of insecurity, engage in political activity rather than unite against the violence that affects their lives. VeryDarkMan recalled the protests that erupted after the Yelewata massacre, noting that demonstrators demanding an end to the killings were met with tear gas.
He questioned the disparity in mobilization between political events and community security issues, asserting that politicians have exploited the frustrations of the youths without adequately addressing the underlying security challenges.
VeryDarkMan urged the youths not to become pawns in political conflicts between rival factions. He stated that the discord surrounding Obi’s visit should serve as a reminder of the collective power they possess when they act united.
“I nearly cried when I watched that video. I was looking at it like, ‘Is this my Benue people?’” he said, lamenting the situation. He appealed to the young people to refocus their efforts toward demanding improved security, better governance, and greater protection for their communities.
