Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has declared his readiness to personally confront the bandits responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo state. Speaking during a protest on Tuesday, June 16, VDM urged Governor Seyi Makinde to take decisive action against the criminals, warning that inaction could lead to further deterioration of security in the region.
Background of the Abductions
One month after dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) on May 15, the anguish of their families continues to deepen. Despite repeated assurances from President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, and other government officials that the victims would be rescued safely, critics argue that the incident has evolved into a prolonged humanitarian tragedy, disrupting education, crippling affected communities, and leaving families trapped between hope and uncertainty.
VDM's Strong Words
During the protest, VDM urged Governor Makinde not to be intimidated by the kidnappers, insisting that criminals thrive when fear takes hold. He warned that if terrorists are allowed to operate unchecked, they could eventually impose levies on farmers in Oyo state as a condition for accessing their own farmlands.
He said: "Sir, in 2014 (referring to the Chibok girls abduction), it took so much time. That you want the perfect time to go and rescue them, they will keep those children there for long. And then they may even marry them off to other kidnappers. At the end of the day, the more the collateral damage to send the message to these kidnappers once and for all."
VDM continued: "So, please, sir, that is why we are saying enough is enough. And if you are ready, we are all ready to go with you into the bush and do it today or tomorrow. Because these people, the moment they push you and you are not able to push them back, I have been studying them for the longest. They will claim the land. Very soon, they might start asking you for levy. The farmers might soon be paying levy to stay in Oyo state."
He added: "Like I said, you did not go into the bush when they killed the teacher. You were not there when they killed the teacher. Nobody tried to force themselves inside and they killed the teacher. So, Mr Governor, I think this is the time you let those terrorists and those bandits know that we actually don't care. There would be collateral damage and we are ready for it."
Government's Response and Broader Context
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, said the current administration is making deliberate efforts to include VDM and selected social media influencers in military operations across conflict-affected regions of Nigeria. This initiative aims to enable them to gain firsthand insight into the challenges and realities faced by troops on the frontlines. The minister disclosed this at the Nigerian People's Strategic Conference (NPSC) and Defence Exhibition 2026 held in Abuja, where he argued that contemporary security challenges can no longer be addressed through military operations alone. General Musa emphasized that terrorism has become an increasingly complex threat requiring collective national action.
