Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, challenged Benue youths over the blockade of the Peter Obi convoy, saying the same energy should be used against bandits and terrorists.
Martins Vincent Otse, 32, posted a video on X after youths stopped Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Gregory Obi on Tuesday 8 September 2026 along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway near the Air Force Base.
Also read: VIDEO: Protesters block Peter Obi’s convoy during Benue visit
Peter Gregory Obi, the former Anambra State governor, had arrived in Makurdi that morning intending to visit Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area and condole families after the June 2025 attacks that killed more than 200 people.
Crowds chanted that they did not want Peter Gregory Obi and blocked the road. Some witnesses said stones and sticks were used. Police later said they had provided an escort.
Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu confirmed an investigation. Officers later paraded 46 suspects.
The Benue State Government denied organising the blockade and said the visit had not followed protocol.
Peter Gregory Obi said youths linked to a special assistant to the state government had stopped him and called the episode unacceptable rascality.
Martins Vincent Otse said the turnout showed that Benue youths can mobilise. “At least now we know that Benue State youths can mobilize themselves and chase someone out or chase people out,” he said. “So it’s very good that they can come out in numbers to chase people out, so that tomorrow when bandits or terrorists attack, they can use the same energy to chase them.”
He said he was disappointed. “I was really disappointed in Benue State youths. Not all of them but the crowd came out to prevent Peter Obi from entering the state. Now, Benue State youths, after what they’ve gone through, they will still let themselves be used as political tools and instruments. It’s so sad.”
Benue has faced repeated farmer-herder and bandit violence. Martins Vincent Otse had previously joined protests after the Yelewata killings.
Also read: VIDEO: Protesters block Peter Obi’s convoy during Benue visit
The latest clash sits in a longer pattern of disputed access to the state, including an earlier blocked visit in 2025, and in the early heat of the 2027 campaign.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
