The tension in Ibadan took a more emotional turn on Tuesday as social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), led a large group of youths to the Oyo State Government House, demanding urgent action over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
The protest, driven largely by young Nigerians under the Ratel Movement, was marked by frustration, urgency, and repeated calls for the safe return of the victims.
Standing before government officials, VDM did not hold back his emotions as he directly questioned Governor Seyi Makinde on what concrete steps were being taken to secure the release of the abducted pupils.
“We are here for one reason, we want kidnapping, banditry and terrorism to stop in Nigeria,” he declared.
He noted that while the incident occurred in Oyo State, the protest was not just about one location but about the wider insecurity crisis affecting the country.
“It’s quite unfortunate that the issue that brought us here happened in Oyo State but does not start here. I’m happy that this one is bringing us together,” he said.
“When Are The Children Coming Back?” — VDM Presses Makinde
In a more direct appeal, VDM challenged the governor to give clarity on efforts being made to rescue the abducted children and teachers.
“We are here to ask you, the governor, when are the children coming back? What are you doing to bring the children back?” he asked.
He also expressed concern over the unknown condition of the victims, saying uncertainty had deepened public anxiety.
“As it is now, we don’t even know the condition of the children, we don’t know if the children are still alive,” he added.
In a striking moment that drew attention, the activist and his supporters also volunteered to assist security agencies in rescue operations if needed.
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“We are here to also commit ourselves that if you don’t have men, we are ready to volunteer ourselves to go into the bushes with the police, army, and any security agencies that are ready to go into the bush,” VDM said.
Makinde Responds, Assures Rescue Efforts Ongoing
In response to the protest, Governor Seyi Makinde assured the demonstrators that efforts were already underway to rescue the abducted victims.
While he did not disclose operational details, the governor maintained that the government was fully engaged with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the children and teachers.
