VDM leads Abuja protest over insecurity, kidnappings

By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

On Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators marched through Abuja under the leadership of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The protest called for immediate government action to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, widespread kidnappings, and economic distress.

Participants moved through the Federal Capital Territory, chanting slogans such as “Terrorists Must Go,” “Kidnappers Must Go,” “Bandits Must Go,” and “APC Must Go.” They accused the administration of failing to safeguard citizens and property despite substantial security spending.

The crowd, which included youths, civil society representatives, and other supporters, gathered in areas such as Apo, holding placards that reflected frustration over the security climate.

Security forces were positioned at key sites, including the Presidential Villa, Eagle Square, and other strategic locations, causing traffic disruptions in parts of the city.

During his address, VDM criticized the government for not delivering results despite significant budget allocations to the security sector. “We are tired. We can no longer travel freely because bandits are taking over Nigeria,” he said, urging that security funds be used effectively to tackle the crisis.

He also cited remarks by Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, claiming that authorities knew the identities and locations of some criminal groups but had not acted decisively. “You know their faces and you know their names… go and get them,” VDM added.

VDM highlighted the repeated abductions of schoolchildren nationwide, arguing that such incidents reveal a weak security response that emboldens criminal groups. He also criticized the poor welfare conditions for security personnel, noting that many officers confront heavily armed criminals while living under difficult circumstances.

After the initial march, protesters moved toward major government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Defence and the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, renewing demands for stronger, coordinated action against kidnappers, bandits, and terrorist groups.

Throughout the demonstration, participants questioned why rising security expenditures have not curbed the ongoing wave of mass abductions and attacks across the country.

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