Popular Nigerian social media activist and content creator, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has called for a nationwide boycott of schools in protest against the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
In a video shared on his social media platforms, the activist expressed concern over what he described as Nigerians’ tendency to quickly move on from major national tragedies without sustained demands for justice or accountability.
According to VDM, while many regard the ability to move forward from difficult situations as a sign of resilience, it has become a challenge when serious issues are forgotten before meaningful solutions are achieved.
“Nigerians are cursed with one thing. They think it’s a blessing, but it’s a curse — they know how to move on quickly,” he said in the video.
The activist urged public school teachers across the country to demonstrate solidarity with their colleagues currently being held captive by refusing to resume classroom activities until the abducted victims regain their freedom.
He also appealed to parents to temporarily keep their children out of school as a peaceful form of protest aimed at drawing greater attention to the security challenges facing educational institutions.
“As a public school teacher, this is a time to show solidarity with the teachers in captivity by not going to work,” he stated.
VDM argued that a coordinated response from teachers, parents, and concerned citizens would increase public pressure on authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims and improving security around schools nationwide.
“Please, parents, stop your children from going to school in solidarity with the little kids that are in captivity,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing public concern over insecurity, kidnappings, and attacks on schools across various parts of the country. The abduction in Oyo State has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups, education stakeholders, and public figures, many of whom have called for stronger government action to safeguard students, teachers, and educational facilities.
Security agencies have continued search-and-rescue operations aimed at securing the release of those abducted, while government officials have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to address the situation and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
