Social media critic and influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has given the Federal Government four days to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
VDM warned that if the victims are not rescued or released through negotiations within that period, he would take matters into his own hands and lead efforts to secure their freedom, regardless of the consequences.
He made the statement in a Facebook post on Friday while reacting to a video showing one of the abducted teachers pleading for government intervention.
The influencer said watching the video had become unbearable, describing the condition of the victims as painful and deeply disturbing.
“I can’t bear seeing this video anymore,” he wrote.
“The situation of these school teachers and students kidnapped in Oyo State two weeks ago is heartbreaking. My eyes are heavy, and my heart breaks, especially for the children who have been away from their parents and loved ones for two weeks.”
VDM expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the abductees’ condition, saying no one could say for certain whether all 46 victims were still alive, receiving food, or in good health.
“Nobody knows if all 46 of them are still alive. Nobody knows if they are being starved. Nobody knows their health condition,” he said.
He proposed opening a GoFundMe account to raise money for negotiations with the kidnappers if government efforts fail within the next four days.
“If in the next four days the Nigerian government is unable to rescue them or negotiate their release, then for the first time, I will open a GoFundMe account and look for a way to negotiate with the terrorists and pay them,” he stated.
“This is the only thing I can think of right now. I can’t bear to watch their videos anymore. In four days’ time, we will contribute whatever the terrorists are asking.”
VDM acknowledged that such a move could come with serious consequences but insisted he was prepared to face them if it meant reuniting the victims with their families.
“I am aware there might be implications for this action, but I am ready to pay the ultimate price to get those children back to their parents and those teachers back to their families,” he added.
