“Fulani Sent Me a Video” — VDM Reveals What Triggered Fresh Benue Attack

Social media personality and activist, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has alleged that a video circulated by some Fulani individuals may have contributed to the tensions that preceded the latest deadly attack in Benue State.

His comments came after gunmen suspected to be herders invaded communities in Otukpo Local Government Area on Sunday, leaving dozens of residents dead and many others injured.

The attack affected Akpachi village and the Otukpo-Nobi axis, where local sources said several homes were thrown into panic as armed assailants stormed the communities. The death toll has continued to rise, with reports indicating that more than 50 bodies have so far been recovered.

Speaking on the incident through a post shared on his Facebook page, VDM said he received messages from some Fulani people shortly after news of the killings emerged.

According to him, the messages included a video showing an Idoma social media influencer allegedly celebrating the release of suspects arrested in connection with the killing of the Benue chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Mohammed.

VDM suggested that the video may have heightened tensions and contributed to the events that followed.

“I woke up to a very sad news that Fulani attacked a village in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State and they killed a lot of people.

“They have been able to recover about 50 lifeless bodies and it is still counting. It was a revenge for the Miyetti Allah Chairman that was killed killed about two weeks ago.

“They went out for the reprisal attacks and they massacred a lot of people. I also got a message from the Fulani people. They sent me a particular video, I believe that was what triggered the whole thing.”

The attack is believed to be linked to the killing of Mohammed, who served as the state chairman of MACBAN. He was reportedly shot dead by armed men on June 26 after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini Local Government Area.

His death sparked outrage among members of the association and raised concerns about growing insecurity in parts of the state.

Meanwhile, several victims injured during the latest assault are receiving treatment in different medical facilities, while families continue to search for missing relatives.

Residents have also urged security agencies to track down those responsible and prevent further reprisals that could worsen the situation.