Social media activist and critic, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to take immediate action to secure the release of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during a protest at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, VeryDarkMan expressed concern over what he described as the prolonged captivity of the victims, warning that delays in rescue efforts could further endanger their lives.
Addressing Governor Makinde directly, the activist said waiting for the “perfect time” to launch rescue operations could have devastating consequences.
“Mr Governor, if you’re waiting for the perfect time to go rescue those children, they’ll keep them there for long and even marry them off to other kidnappers,” he said.
VeryDarkMan noted that many Nigerians, including members of his online community known as The Ratels, were prepared to support efforts aimed at bringing the abducted victims home safely.
According to him, those willing to assist understand the risks involved and are ready to make sacrifices if necessary.
“We’re ready to enter the bush with you today or tomorrow, and we know there’ll be collateral damage and we’re ready for it,” he stated.
The activist further argued that criminal groups often interpret a lack of decisive response from authorities as a sign of weakness.
Drawing from his observations of insecurity across the country, he warned that failure to confront bandits aggressively could embolden them to expand their activities.
“I’ve studied these bandits for so long. I’ve come to realize that if they push and you don’t push back, they’ll see it as weakness and start asking for levies from Oyo State farmers,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing public frustration over the continued captivity of the pupils and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident, which has generated nationwide attention, has prompted calls from celebrities, activists, religious leaders and ordinary Nigerians demanding urgent intervention from security agencies.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier assured residents that security operatives were actively working to secure the victims’ release and disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the abductees were being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis.
The governor also stated that the government’s priority remained rescuing the victims without recording additional casualties, stressing that ongoing operations were being guided by intelligence and strategic planning.
VeryDarkMan’s comments have since sparked mixed reactions online.
While many Nigerians supported his call for urgent action and praised his willingness to stand with affected families, others argued that rescue missions involving hostages require careful coordination to avoid putting innocent lives at greater risk.
As pressure mounts on authorities, families of the abducted children and teachers continue to hope for positive news and the safe return of their loved ones after weeks in captivity.
Discover more from The NaijaWide News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
