Popular social media activist and commentator, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has strongly criticised former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, over his controversial suggestion that the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State may have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.
Fayose had stirred reactions during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he claimed he believed the abduction was “orchestrated in a way” by the Oyo State Government to blackmail President Tinubu, although he said he was not accusing the government of being entirely responsible.
Reacting in a lengthy video posted on social media, VeryDarkMan described Fayose’s comments as insensitive and politically motivated, arguing that kidnappings and mass abductions have occurred across several states irrespective of political party affiliations.
Questioning the basis of Fayose’s allegation, the social media activist cited previous incidents of school kidnappings and attacks in states governed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“How can you say the Oyo State Government orchestrated this kidnapping to blackmail President Tinubu when similar kidnappings have happened in states governed by APC governors?” VDM asked.
According to him, insecurity has become a national challenge that transcends political affiliations and should not be reduced to partisan arguments.
“Kidnapping and insecurity are not peculiar to Oyo State. We have seen school abductions and attacks in several states across the country, including APC-controlled states,” he said.
VDM referenced previous mass abductions in Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states, maintaining that attributing the Oyo incident to political orchestration ignores the broader security challenges confronting the country.
He further argued that politicians should focus on addressing insecurity rather than engaging in blame games.
“Instead of focusing on rescuing victims and addressing insecurity, some politicians are turning a national tragedy into a political argument,” he stated.
The activist stressed that both federal and state governments must take responsibility for protecting citizens.
“Every level of government has a responsibility to protect lives and property. Nigerians want solutions, not excuses,” he added.
VDM also took aim at Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting that governors cannot completely absolve themselves of responsibility whenever security breaches occur within their states.
“As governor, Makinde also has a responsibility to ensure the safety of people in Oyo State. Security is not something leaders should politicise,” he said.
The social media commentator renewed his criticism of President Tinubu’s administration, arguing that insecurity, kidnappings and attacks on communities have continued to pose serious threats to Nigerians.
“The reason many Nigerians are holding the President accountable is because he is the Commander-in-Chief. People expect leadership and results in the fight against insecurity,” he said.
Expressing concern over the wider impact of insecurity on everyday life, VDM lamented that many Nigerians now live in fear due to the activities of kidnappers and criminal gangs.
“Farmers are afraid to go to their farms, travellers are afraid to use the roads, and parents are worried about sending their children to school. That is the reality many Nigerians are facing today,” he said.
The controversy comes amid heightened concern over the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.
President Tinubu has condemned the attack and directed security agencies to intensify efforts towards rescuing the victims and bringing those responsible to justice.
Fayose’s remarks have continued to generate heated reactions across social media and political circles, with critics accusing him of trivialising a national security crisis, while supporters argue that governors should also be held accountable for security failures within their states.
As public debate rages, families of the abducted victims continue to await positive news regarding rescue efforts, with many Nigerians calling for greater cooperation between federal and state authorities to tackle the country’s worsening insecurity.
