VeryDarkMan Mobilises Protest In Ibadan Over Oyo School Kidnapping Crisis

Popular Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, to spearhead a large-scale protest over the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

VDM landed at the Ibadan Airport in Alakia on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, where he was received by a crowd of supporters ahead of the planned demonstration.

By the time of this report, the activist, alongside his associate Kokopee and a large number of protesters, had gathered at Iwo Road in Ibadan before marching through major streets to demand swift government intervention.

Videos shared online showed massive crowds chanting slogans such as “Bandits must go” and “Terrorists must go,” as they called for the immediate release of the abducted victims and improved security across Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The protest follows a violent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. Reports say armed attackers invaded schools in the Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities, abducting several students and staff members.

Community sources and local accounts estimate that about 46 people were taken, including 39 pupils and students some reportedly as young as two years old and seven teachers, one of whom was a school principal.

The affected institutions include Community Grammar School in Esiele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, and L.A. Primary School.

The attack turned deadly when one teacher was reportedly killed during the initial invasion. Days later, another abducted victim, 57-year-old mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was also allegedly killed by the kidnappers, heightening public anger and grief.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation across the country, with groups such as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) calling for urgent and stronger security measures to protect schools and education workers.

As the protest continued, thousands of residents joined VDM in Ibadan, demanding the safe return of the remaining abductees and decisive action against banditry and insecurity in the region.

The demonstration stands as one of the largest public protests in Oyo State in recent times, reflecting growing frustration over insecurity and the prolonged captivity of the victims.

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