Popular activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Monday, led a mammoth crowd of Ratel Movement members and supporters in a protest at the ever-busy Iwo Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire local government area of the State.
The protesters converged under the Iwo Road bridge, opposite Terminal 1, before embarking on a peaceful march through major roads in the area, demanding urgent action from security agencies and government authorities to secure the release of the kidnap victims.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions condemning insecurity and calling for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, the protesters expressed concern over the growing wave of kidnappings and attacks on vulnerable communities across the country.
VDM, while addressing the crowd, urged the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and improve security across the country.
He said the protest was aimed at drawing national attention to the plight of the abducted children and their families, stressing that citizens could not remain silent in the face of worsening insecurity.
The activist maintained that the safety of children should be a priority, noting that attacks on schools posed a serious threat to education and the future of the country.
Many residents joined the protest, while others watched from the roadside as the demonstrators marched through the area, chanting solidarity songs and demanding justice for the victims.
The protest comes amid growing public outrage following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from Esiele and Yawota communities in Ori-ire local government area, an incident that has sparked widespread concern among residents and stakeholders.
