Tensions flared in Makurdi, Benue State, on Sunday as thousands of angry youths staged a protest over ongoing killings in the state. They blocked the busy Wurukum Roundabout, halting movement between the northern and southern parts of the country from as early as 7 a.m.

The protesters, carrying placards with messages like “Stop Benue Killings” and “Government Has Failed Us,” refused to vacate the roads despite pleas from the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, and Deputy Governor Samuel Ode.

Efforts by the police, including low-flying helicopters and teargas, failed to deter the crowd. The protesters, armed with tree branches and cooking utensils, even prepared meals on the road, demanding the state governor’s presence.

One of the protest leaders, social media activist Seedoff Mbapuun (popularly known as “Benue Pete Edochie”), said the youth were fed up with the rising insecurity and the government's inaction. “People are being killed daily, yet the world remains silent,” he lamented.

Police Commissioner Emenari assured them that the Inspector General of Police had deployed special tactical teams across the state and that several bandits had been neutralized during recent operations. He pleaded with the protesters to give security forces time to restore order.

Despite that, the protest continued, with youths chanting “Go to Yelewata,” referencing one of the latest attack sites. Deputy Governor Ode's arrival did little to calm the tension, as the youths rejected him outright, demanding Governor Alia instead. He eventually left the scene.

The turning point came when popular activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), arrived at the protest site. His appearance sparked cheers from the crowd.

Addressing the youths, VDM condemned the violence in Yelewata and the long history of killings in Benue, saying, “Children are being burned alive, and the government remains silent.” However, he urged the protesters to avoid violent methods like roadblocks and bonfires.

VDM advised them to organize a peaceful protest instead — one that would involve legal approval and security cooperation. “This is 2025. We have our phones, our voices — we are smarter than this. Let’s protest with purpose, not chaos,” he urged.

His message resonated with the protesters, who immediately began clearing the roads and dismantling bonfires. He was later led to the Wurukum Roundabout, where he continued his appeal for peace.

Following his intervention, the protesters peacefully dispersed, singing solidarity songs and thanking VDM for standing with them.