In a bold and impassioned display of citizen activism, renowned social media influencer and self-styled “VeryDarkMan” (Martins Vincent Otse) took to the streets of Nigeria’s capital on Wednesday, leading a protest rally that has ignited national conversations on government accountability and child safety amid escalating insecurity.
The demonstration, centered around the recent abduction of 33 schoolgirls from a secondary school in Kebbi State, saw VeryDarkMan and a group of supporters marching through key Abuja thoroughfares, brandishing placards emblazoned with messages like “Bring Back Our Girls,” “Tinubu, Are You Alive?” and “Government Failure = Self-Defense.” The protest, which unfolded peacefully but with palpable urgency, underscores the growing frustration among Nigerians over the federal government’s perceived inaction in addressing rampant kidnappings and terrorist activities plaguing the North-West region.
Addressing President Bola Tinubu directly in a viral video captured during the march, VeryDarkMan did not mince words: “President Bola Tinubu, are you still alive? If you are still alive, bring back our girls. If the government refuses to secure our land, then we will take responsibility for our own protection. It’s time for us to get our own arms and protect our lands.”
The activist, known for his unfiltered critiques of corruption, inequality, and institutional failures, highlighted the Kebbi incident as part of a broader pattern of violence. “This is not just about 33 girls; it’s about every child in Nigeria living in fear. From Kebbi to Kwara, terrorists are storming churches with AK-47s, and the government is silent. We can’t wait for promises—we demand action now,” he declared, referencing a recent disturbing video from Kwara State showing armed assailants invading a place of worship.
The protest comes just days after the shocking kidnapping in Kebbi, where gunmen stormed the Federal Government College in broad daylight, abducting the students en route to a neighboring town. Despite assurances from security agencies, no concrete rescue operations have been publicly detailed, fueling public outrage. VeryDarkMan’s rally, which drew dozens of participants including concerned parents, students, and fellow activists, disrupted traffic in Abuja’s Central Business District and quickly trended online under hashtags like #BringBackOurKebbiGirls and #VeryDarkManProtest.
Social media erupted with support, amassing millions of views within hours. Prominent voices, including human rights advocate Deji Adeyanju and musician Iyanya, amplified the call, with Iyanya tweeting: “VDM is saying what we’re all thinking. Enough is enough—our children deserve better.” Parents’ groups across the country echoed the sentiment, organizing solidarity vigils in Lagos, Kano, and Enugu.
VeryDarkMan, who rose to prominence through his raw, no-holds-barred commentary on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), has a history of using his influence to champion grassroots causes. His previous solo demonstrations—such as a one-man stand against proposed income tax hikes in early November—have often gone viral, blending street-level activism with digital amplification. “I’m not here for likes; I’m here because silence kills faster than bullets,” he stated post-protest.
Security forces monitored the event from a distance, with no reported clashes. However, VeryDarkMan warned of escalation if demands are unmet: “We march today with peace, but our patience is wearing thin. The government must prioritize these girls’ safe return, deploy resources, and dismantle these terror networks. Failure to act will force citizens to act.”
As the nation grapples with over 200 kidnappings reported in the last quarter alone, VeryDarkMan’s protest serves as a clarion call for renewed focus on education, security, and governance. Civil society organizations, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have pledged legal support for further actions, demanding transparency in the rescue efforts.
Nigerians are urged to join the conversation and pressure authorities for immediate intervention. The safe return of the Kebbi schoolgirls remains paramount—no child should pay the price for systemic neglect.
About VeryDarkMan:
Martins Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, is a Lagos-based activist and content creator with over 2 million followers across social media. Through his platform, he exposes societal ills, advocates for the voiceless, and mobilizes for change, embodying the spirit of digital-age resistance.
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