Controversial Nigerian social critic and activist, VeryDarkMan, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s response to the gruesome killing of over 200 people in Benue State, describing the president’s call for dialogue with the attackers as weak and deeply troubling.
DAILY POST earlier reported that over 200 residents were burnt alive in a horrifying attack by suspected herdsmen in Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The massacre, which has drawn widespread outrage and international condemnation, was first publicly addressed by Pope Leo, who described the incident as a “terrible massacre” and demanded justice for the victims.
In his official response, President Tinubu condemned the attack and urged the Benue State government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, to begin a process of dialogue and reconciliation to restore peace in the region.
But reacting to the president’s statement, VeryDarkMan strongly criticised the approach, suggesting that the attackers operate beyond the control of the Nigerian government and security forces.
“Even from President Tinubu’s press release, you will know that these herdsmen are not done yet with the Benue people,” he said in a video shared online. “You want to dialogue with those burning people alive? This shows you that they are even bigger than the President — that’s just the truth. Don’t let anyone deceive you. This is beyond APC, PDP, or any political group. These attackers are way bigger.”
The outspoken critic further accused the country’s top security agencies of turning a blind eye to the atrocities, implying that the lack of meaningful action suggests complicity or gross negligence.
“It would be clowning if the DG of DSS, IG of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and Army Chiefs claim they don’t know what has been going on in Benue. These attackers didn’t just appear; they came armed, carrying gallons of fuel and AK-47 rifles. How did they gain access to the community without being detected?” he asked.
VeryDarkMan expressed deep concern that such a large-scale killing went virtually unnoticed in national discourse until he shared disturbing footage from the scene.
“Everyone is reacting now because I showed the video. Sadly, many Nigerians have become desensitised to the news of killings in Benue. That’s what scares me the most,” he said.
Calling for urgent grassroots action, the activist urged Benue farmers to arm themselves legally, insisting that the situation has spiraled beyond the government’s capacity to control.
“It’s no longer about waiting for the government. Every farmer in Benue must secure a gun with a license. If they cannot protect themselves, nothing will change,” he added.
VeryDarkMan joined a protest alongside Benue youths in Makurdi on Sunday, amplifying calls for justice and greater protection for residents of the state.
The latest attack marks yet another grim chapter in the cycle of violence plaguing Benue, once known as Nigeria’s food basket.
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