Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nigerian social media commentator and activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, has reignited national debate on insecurity after a video he posted went viral on social media platforms on March 6, 2026. In the footage, the activist delivers a direct and sharp critique of Vice President Kashim Shettima, questioning the government’s handling of persistent violence and mass abductions in Borno State, the North-East region where Shettima hails from and previously governed.
VeryDarkMan’s comments emerged amid growing concerns over reported attacks by extremist groups in parts of Borno State, including abductions and killings attributed to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). In his message, the activist asked pointedly why the vice president had not done more to protect civilians in his home state even after serving two terms as governor and now holding national office. He said the violence has become so frequent that many Nigerians have grown numb to reports of killings.
The viral clip specifically referenced reports that suspected terrorists abducted more than 100 women and children in Ngoshe community, in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. VeryDarkMan questioned what concrete actions had been taken by the federal government to prevent such attacks, arguing that the frequency of violence suggested a failure of leadership.
In the video, he also criticised political leaders who pursue re-election ambitions despite ongoing insecurity, arguing that residents of affected states deserve to know what these leaders have achieved on security before seeking another mandate. His comments included a broader critique of government priorities, including rehabilitation programmes for former insurgents, which he suggested may be diverting attention and resources away from protecting civilians.
The video has generated mixed reactions on social media. Some Nigerians have expressed support for VeryDarkMan, saying the video reflects widespread frustration with the continuing violence in the North-East and perceived slow progress in tackling insurgency. Others have criticised his tone, arguing that public criticism should not be personal or disrespectful toward national leaders.
The controversy highlights a broader national conversation about security and governance. Borno State has been at the centre of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency for more than a decade, and despite periodic military offensives and territorial recoveries by government forces, sporadic attacks, kidnappings and deaths continue to be reported in remote communities. Analysts say the conflict remains fluid and multifaceted, involving cross-border insurgent movements, local militias, and shifting alliances among armed groups.
The normalisation of violence in parts of the country has been a recurring theme in public discourse. Many Nigerians say that news of attacks and abductions often fails to elicit broad public engagement because of the frequency with which such events are reported and the limited visible improvement in security outcomes. Social media activists like VeryDarkMan amplify these sentiments, framing them as a critique of political leadership and accountability.
VeryDarkMan is no stranger to controversy. According to public records, he has been involved in high-profile disputes and legal challenges in the past, including arrests related to alleged cyberbullying and defamatory statements directed at public figures. He has denied some of the allegations against him in those earlier incidents.
The remarks also come at a time when federal and state authorities periodically respond to criticism by outlining ongoing security initiatives, including military operations, community protection programmes and collaboration with regional partners. However, details on specific measures in Borno are often complex, involving multiple agencies and long-term strategies whose impacts are difficult to assess in real time.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has not issued an official response to the video as of the latest reports. His office, like others in the federal government, typically responds to security critiques through structured statements or during media engagements, but no such response has been reported regarding this particular viral criticism.
The public debate illustrates enduring tensions in Nigeria between citizen expectations and governance challenges, especially in regions affected by prolonged conflict. The national conversation continues as citizens and commentators alike call for clearer accountability from political leaders and more effective security solutions for communities at risk.
Stone Reporters note that public discourse around national security, especially in the North-East, remains a central issue in Nigerian politics, shaping voter perceptions and political debate as the country approaches future elections.
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