Popular online activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan or VDM, has issued an emotional and pointed reaction to the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two friends of world-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua.
VDM's Emotional Tribute and Call for Accountability
The incident occurred in Ogun State when the vehicle carrying the Nigerian-British boxing champion and his companions collided with a stationary truck parked on the roadside. In a video posted online, VDM expressed deep sympathy for Joshua, who was subsequently flown out of Nigeria for medical treatment. He poignantly noted that the boxer arrived in the country with two friends but was forced to leave alone, a situation he described as emotionally devastating.
VDM did not mince words in assigning blame for the tragedy. He squarely pointed the finger at truck drivers, arguing that repeated complaints about the recklessness of some truck operators in Nigeria have gone unheeded. He questioned the legality and safety of the truck's parked position, especially given the increased traffic during the festive season. The activist lamented that past calls for stricter regulation of heavy-duty vehicles have been largely ignored by authorities.
A Stark Comparison with Foreign Systems
To underscore his argument for better regulation, VDM shared a short clip from a visit to Germany. He used the footage to illustrate how truck operations are managed in countries with stronger safety frameworks. According to his analysis, the secure fastening of containers and the imposition of serious penalties on companies for safety breaches abroad stand in stark contrast to the situation in Nigeria.
"This incident highlights the risks of returning to a system that is poorly regulated," VDM stated, contrasting Nigeria with nations that have more robust safety structures. His central plea was for the Nigerian government to take immediate action by regulating truck movements, assigning specific routes, and enforcing strict time schedules for heavy-duty vehicles to enhance road safety.
Broader Celebrity Reactions and Ongoing Debate
The fatal accident has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's entertainment and sports circles, prompting an outpouring of tributes from numerous celebrities. The online space has also become a forum for intense discussion and differing opinions regarding the root causes of the crash and the broader issue of road safety in the country.
VDM concluded his message by praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and wishing Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery from his injuries. His intervention adds a powerful voice to the growing demand for systemic change to prevent such avoidable tragedies on Nigerian roads.
