“‘We Are Ready to Enter the Forest’ — VeryDarkMan Offers Youth Support as Kidnapped Children Remain Missing”
By Passman Akpos
IBADAN — Popular social media activist and influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has revealed details of a protest led by members of the Ratel Movement in Oyo State, demanding the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers reportedly kidnapped over a month ago.
According to the activist, the movement traveled from Abuja to Oyo State to show solidarity with the affected families and draw national attention to the growing insecurity crisis in Nigeria. He alleged that while they expected local youths to join the peaceful demonstration against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, some individuals instead confronted the protesters.
Describing the event as a difficult encounter, VeryDarkMan said the movement remained focused on its objective and successfully marched from Owo Road to the Oyo State Government House to press for urgent action on the plight of the abducted victims.
The activist disclosed that during the protest, Governor Seyi Makinde reportedly invited members of the group for a meeting to discuss the situation. He described the governor’s willingness to engage with the protesters as commendable.
Speaking about the meeting, VeryDarkMan said the governor explained that state governments do not exercise complete control over security agencies but assured the delegation that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the kidnapped children and teachers.
The activist further stated that he asked Governor Makinde whether the government would consider involving youths in search-and-rescue efforts alongside security operatives, insisting that many young Nigerians were prepared to contribute to the fight against criminal elements. According to him, the governor reassured the delegation that the victims would not remain in captivity for much longer and appealed for patience as authorities intensify efforts to secure their release.
VeryDarkMan noted that the campaign against insecurity began in Abuja, where members of the Ratel Movement sought to draw the attention of the Federal Government and security chiefs to the worsening security challenges across the country. The protest later moved to Oyo State, where the kidnapping incident occurred, to demand accountability and updates from state authorities.
He used the occasion to call for national unity, urging Nigerians across ethnic and regional divides to join forces against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
“Nigerians need to understand that if we don’t unite together in one voice to speak up, sooner there will be no Nigeria to call our home,” he said, stressing that criminal groups have continued to threaten communities, farmlands, and major roads across the country.
The activist also thanked members of the Ratel Movement who participated in the demonstration, saying their collective action was aimed at amplifying the voices of victims and demanding stronger action against insecurity nationwide.
The protest comes amid growing public concern over rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in several parts of the country, with citizens increasingly calling on authorities at all levels to strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.
