Prominent social commentator and activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has issued a stern warning to individuals allegedly hired by politicians to disrupt protests, declaring that protesters will defend themselves forcefully if attacked.
In a widely circulated video statement, VeryDarkMan stated: “If we are protesting anywhere and the politicians send you as a thug to attack us, I swear to God we will kill you. I don’t care what comes next; we’ll put the case as self-defense. There are lawyers ready for that.”
The activist made the remarks amid heightened tensions surrounding ongoing protests in parts of Nigeria, particularly referencing incidents in Ibadan where suspected thugs were reportedly confronted by protesters. He emphasized that any aggression against peaceful demonstrators would be met with determined self-defense, with legal support already in place.
This strong message comes as citizens exercise their right to peaceful assembly to address governance issues, economic hardships, and insecurity. VeryDarkMan urged politicians to refrain from deploying thugs, warning that such actions could lead to severe consequences for those involved.
Social media reactions to the statement have been mixed, with some users praising the activist for standing up against thuggery, while others express concerns over the inflammatory tone and potential for escalation.
Authorities are yet to issue an official response to the video, which has gone viral across platforms including Instagram and Facebook.