- Activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State.
- He is leading a major protest against the abduction of school children and teachers in Oriira Local Government Area.
- VDM landed at the Ibadan Airport on June 16, 2026 and was greeted by a large crowd of supporters.
Popular Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) has arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State to lead a massive protest over the kidnapping of school children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The VDM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, landed at the Ibadan Airport in Alakija, where he was greeted by crowds of supporters ahead of the planned demonstration.
By the time this report went to press, the activist, together with his associate Kokopee and a large number of protesters, had gathered at Iwo Road in Ibadan before marching through the main streets demanding prompt government intervention.
Videos shared online showed huge crowds of people chanting slogans such as “Bandits must go” and “Terrorists must go”, while calling for the immediate release of the abducted victims and improved security across Oyo State and Nigeria in general.
The protest followed a violent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. Reports said gunmen stormed schools in Ahoro-Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities, abducting several students and staff members.
Community sources and local reports estimate that around 46 people were taken, including 39 pupils and students who were reportedly as young as two years old and seven teachers, one of whom was the school principal.
Affected institutions include Community Grammar School in Esiele, Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and LA Primary School.
The attack turned deadly when one teacher was reportedly killed during the initial invasion. A few days later, another abducted victim, 57-year-old mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was also allegedly killed by the kidnappers, adding to the public’s anger and grief.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across the country, with groups such as the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) calling for immediate and stronger security measures to protect schools and education workers.
As the protest continued, thousands of residents joined the VDM in Ibadan, demanding the safe return of the remaining abductees and decisive action against banditry and insecurity in the region.
The demonstration is one of the largest public protests in Oyo State in recent times, reflecting growing frustration over the insecurity and prolonged detention of victims.
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