“‘Tell Your People to Return the Children!’ — VDM’s Roar Reignites the Gumi–Bandit Controversy”

By Passman Akpos

A fresh wave of public outrage has erupted across Nigeria following a viral video in which social critic Verydarkman (VDM) issued a fierce call demanding that Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi “tell his people to return” recently abducted schoolchildren and church members kidnapped in Kebbi and Kwara states.

VDM’s outburst, which has racked up massive engagement online, mirrors the frustration of millions of Nigerians exhausted by persistent kidnappings, banditry, and government inaction. Many commenters described his voice as “echoing the anger of over 200 million citizens who want a safer country.”@Rising Anger Over Insecurity

Nigeria has witnessed a series of mass abductions in recent months, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi State and members of a CAC church in Kwara, fueling renewed debates about the government’s strategy to combat terrorism.

Some social media users rallied behind VDM, calling his message “fearless,” likening him to activists like Nnamdi Kanu and Omoyele Sowore, and urging Nigerians to “rise up and fight the barbarians” threatening the country’s stability.

A commenter wrote emotionally:“If the Nigerian army wants to get it right, they should pick Gumi. He knows where these people are because he has sat with them.”

Others questioned why, despite Gumi’s controversial engagements with bandits, he has never been arrested, arguing that an Igbo man in his position “would have been picked up long ago.”

A Counter-Argument: Dialogue as a Peace Tool

However, not all voices agreed with VDM’s aggressive stance.A user identified as Ibrahim Hikma defended Sheikh Gumi, describing his interactions with armed groups as legitimate peace efforts commonly used in global conflict mediation.

According to him:

“There’s nothing harmful about the peace efforts Dr. Ahmad Gumi has chosen to take on. Dialogue and mediation are global methods for preventing violence. His engagement doesn’t break any law.”

He argued that Gumi’s access to difficult terrains and armed groups could help reduce attacks, save lives, and open communication channels where government efforts have stumbled.

But this stance quickly ignited backlash, with commenters accusing him of supporting terrorists. Others challenged him to extend the same sympathy to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, asking whether the call for dialogue should apply to all groups.

Fear, Frustration, and a Nation on Edge

Amid the heated exchanges, several Nigerians expressed despair over the worsening security situation.

One commenter lamented:“It’s not 52 students; it’s more than 100. I cried and regretted being born in this country.”

Another wrote a reflective message:“I dream of a country without terrorism… I don’t even know if it will still be called Nigeria by then.”

Emerging Theories About Escalating Kidnappings

A viral opinion within the thread suggested that the recent spike in kidnappings may be a strategic move by terrorist groups anticipating foreign intervention.

The user claimed:“These guys are preparing for Trump’s intervention plan… They are increasing kidnappings to prevent airstrikes. If they hold hostages, America cannot target their camps easily.”

The theory, though unverified, underscores the deep fear, suspicion, and mistrust in public discourse around Nigeria’s security crisis.

Where the Debate Stands

VDM’s fiery call has reignited national conversations about:

Whether dialogue with armed groups is a viable strategy

Sheikh Gumi’s controversial role in negotiating with bandits

The government’s failure to protect citizens

Rising ethnic and political tensions linked to terrorism

The need for urgent reforms in military and intelligence operations

As Nigerians continue to debate online, one sentiment resonates across the divide—a deep longing for a country where children can go to school safely, worshippers can gather without fear, and citizens no longer live at the mercy of armed criminals.