In yet another dark chapter for Nigeria’s democracy, Rebrand Nigeria has issued a scathing condemnation of the violent police crackdown on peaceful protesters in Benue State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 16, 2025, when security operatives reportedly fired teargas at a group of mourning youths protesting the relentless killings in their communities.
According to eyewitness accounts and circulating reports, the protesters—dressed in black and carrying placards—had gathered peacefully to demand justice for the victims of recent massacres and to call out what they described as the gross failure of the state and federal governments to protect lives and property.
Rather than support the community’s cry for help, law enforcement responded with force, triggering panic, a stampede, and multiple injuries. The youths, already grieving the loss of loved ones, found themselves facing yet another form of violence—this time from those sworn to protect them.
Rebrand Nigeria, a civic organization advocating for democracy and good governance, strongly rebuked the actions of the Benue State Police Command. In an official statement signed by Comrade Modesty-Blaise Akaraka and Comrade Enejor O. Samuel, the group labeled the incident “an unpardonable act of impunity” and “a catastrophic betrayal of public trust.”
The organization particularly singled out the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, accusing him of issuing prior threats against the planned protest and authorizing the deployment of armed personnel to suppress it—while allegedly failing to take similar decisive action against the murderous rampages ravaging rural communities.
Citing Sections 39 and 40 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), Rebrand Nigeria called the police action a gross violation of the protesters’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“This is not just about teargas; it is about the toxic arrogance of a system that punishes the oppressed while protecting the perpetrators,” the statement reads. “It is disgraceful that grieving citizens were treated like criminals for demanding justice.”
The group also praised the courage of digital activist Vincent Martins Ortse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, for his on-the-ground reporting and fearless exposure of the destruction in Benue—a role that many believe Nigeria’s mainstream media has failed to play.
“We salute VeryDarkMan’s bravery and all voices refusing to be silenced by government intimidation. Their courage gives us hope that truth and justice can still thrive in this country,” the statement concluded.
Rebrand Nigeria is now calling on the federal government to stop making cosmetic gestures—such as the symbolic relocation of the Chief of Army Staff’s office—and to take decisive action to end the killings in Benue. The people have had enough of promises. What they need now is protection.