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VeryBlackDarkMan denies inciting violence in plateau, gives detailed defence of viral comments
VeryBlackDarkMan denies inciting violence in plateau, gives detailed defence of viral comments
By: Zagazola Makama
Popular social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryBlackDarkMan, has issued a detailed response to allegations that he incited violence during the recent unrest in Plateau, insisting that his remarks were taken out of context and misrepresented.
The controversy followed a viral video in which Otse, reacting to the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, made statements that critics interpreted as a call to violence.
Otse urged residents not to rely on government intervention, saying: “If you keep quiet and wait for the government… it won’t be the first time, it won’t be the second time… when does this stop? You promise us security, but nobody is secure!”
The content creator also appeared to call for a shift from passive reactions to active confrontation, stating: “No be only Boko Haram sabi kill, no be only bandit sabi kill. All of us fit kill… all of us na Killers, until you ready. No ever to say you no get the mind. You fit kill person. You can kill people. And for these people oh my God.
He added: “Please protect yourselves and don’t wait for the government.”
He further called on the “To the people of Rukuba Enough is Enough, Enough is Enough. Anybody wey you see wey cross your part, KILL AM
However, few hour’s after his emotional outbursts violence quickly began to spread in the Northern part of Plateau. The same night, some youths of Rukuba went on rampage and began targeted killings especially in the Muslim communities.
The remarks triggered widespread backlash, with some commentators accusing him of encouraging reprisals and fuelling religious tension.
However, in a follow-up video, Otse strongly refuted the allegations, maintaining that he never called for violence against any religious group. “Where did I ever say Christians should kill Muslims? When? Show me where I said that,” he said, visibly angered by the accusations.
Providing context to his earlier comments, Otse explained that his reaction was shaped by the traumatic experience of witnessing the aftermath of the killings in Jos.
“I was standing in the middle of dead bodies. Pregnant women, fathers, mothers, children… over 20 people lying there. This is not the first time I have seen something like that. What do you expect me to say in that moment?” he said.
According to him, his statements were an emotional outburst driven by frustration over repeated violence and what he described as inadequate response by authorities.
“The government is not doing anything. People are being killed again and again. So what do you want me to say?” he asked.
Otse clarified that his intention was to urge communities to be vigilant and protect themselves, not to attack others.
“I only said people should protect themselves. I said if you see suspicious movement, defend yourself. That is not the same as telling people to kill others,” he said.
He argued that his words were deliberately twisted to create a false narrative portraying him as promoting religious violence.
“This narrative that VeryDarkMan told Christians to kill Muslims is false. Completely false. People are taking my words out of context and trying to push an agenda,” he said.
The influencer also rejected attempts to frame him as biased against Muslims, noting that he has consistently spoken about violence affecting all Nigerians regardless of religion.
“You can’t say it is only Christians that are dying. Muslims are dying too. People are dying everywhere in this country,” he said.
He cited past incidents in the North-East, including attacks in Borno, to support his argument that insecurity cuts across religious and regional lines.
“Where were these people when bombs exploded in Borno? Monday Market, Post Office junction… people died. Did they speak then?” he queried.
Otse said he had personally visited affected areas, including Borno, to raise awareness and support victims, adding that his advocacy has never been selective.
“I have gone to Borno. I have gone to places where disasters happened, even floods. I have used my platform to raise awareness and help people. This is not about religion for me,” he said.
He further criticised what he described as selective outrage by some social media users and commentators.
“Some people are now acting like they care more about Muslims or Christians, but where were they when others were suffering? Show me what you have done,” he said.
Addressing the broader issue, Otse warned against the growing trend of framing security challenges along religious lines, stressing that such narratives are dangerous.
“Say no to religious war. This is not about Christianity or Islam. This is about Nigerians being killed,” he said.
He emphasised that he does not align himself with any religious divide, insisting that his position has always been neutral.
“I am not speaking for Christians or Muslims. I am speaking for people. I don’t care about religion when it comes to human lives,” he added.
Otse also highlighted what he described as a lack of awareness about the scale of violence in northern Nigeria, attributing it partly to limited social media visibility.
“A lot of people don’t even know what is happening in the North. They don’t see it, so they think it is one-sided. But the reality is different,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to avoid generalisations and stereotyping, warning that such tendencies contribute to division and misunderstanding.
The influencer reiterated his call for unity and collective action against insecurity, rather than blame and division.
“We need peace in Jos. We need peace everywhere. People should stop pushing narratives that will divide us further,” he said.
The incident illustrated the powerful role of social media in shaping public discourse during crises, as well as the risks associated with emotionally charged messaging.
While Otse’s initial comments reflected widespread frustration, the backlash point to the need for caution and clarity in public communication, especially in fragile security environments.
VeryBlackDarkMan denies inciting violence in plateau, gives detailed defence of viral comments
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have conducted coordinated offensive operations on suspected terrorist enclaves across parts of Katsina State, forcing criminals to flee before troops’ arrival.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation took place at about 0800 hours on May 10, 2026, targeting Kafin-Soli, Karaduwa, Maraban Musawa and Jikamshi villages in Kankia, Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.
The sources said the clearance operation was part of ongoing efforts to dislodge criminal elements and deny them freedom of action within rural communities.
According to the sources, troops and vigilantes moved simultaneously into the identified locations but met no resistance as the suspected terrorists had fled prior to their arrival.
Military authorities said follow-up exploitation of the general area was ongoing to ensure the criminals do not regroup or return to the affected communities.
They added that troops will continue intelligence-led patrols and offensive operations across vulnerable areas in Katsina State to sustain pressure on criminal networks and restore normalcy.
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have successfully ambushed suspected terrorists along the Old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, neutralising one insurgent and recovering weapons, ammunition and other items.
Security sources said that the operation occurred at about 0450 hours on May 10, 2026, west of Meyanga and north of Adankolo Forest during a planned ambush operation.
The sources said troops made contact with the terrorists in the early hours of the day, leading to a brief exchange of fire.
According to the sources, one terrorist was neutralised during the engagement, while others fled the scene, abandoning their weapons and equipment.
Items recovered at the scene included two AK-47 rifles, six magazines loaded with 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol, one Motorola handheld radio, one motorcycle, and a sum of ₦62,900.
Other recovered items included a camouflaged bandolier, three mobile phones and additional sundry materials.
Military authorities said troops have continued exploitation of the general area to track fleeing suspects and prevent regrouping of criminal elements.
They added that operations in the axis remain ongoing as part of sustained efforts to dominate the environment and deny terrorists freedom of action.
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
News
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
By: Michael Mike
Human rights and anti-poverty organisation, ActionAid Nigeria, has called for the immediate impeachment of any governor found guilty of using state resources to fund political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, following growing public concerns over alleged movement of huge sums of money by some political actors for campaign-related activities.
ActionAid Nigeria said the allegations have raised serious questions about the source of the funds allegedly being deployed for political mobilisation and consolidation of power ahead of the next election cycle.
Mamedu described the reports as disturbing and unacceptable, especially at a period when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions.
According to him, it would amount to a grave abuse of public trust if state resources meant for governance and development were diverted for partisan political purposes.
“It is appalling that at a time when Nigeria is drowning in debt, workers are struggling with the rising cost of living, public hospitals are underfunded, schools are collapsing, insecurity is spreading, and millions of Nigerians are battling hunger and extreme economic hardship, that any suggestion of public resources are being diverted or deployed for political campaigns,” he stated.
The organisation stressed that governors were elected to serve the people and not to convert state resources into what it described as “political war chests.”
ActionAid Nigeria challenged governors and political actors allegedly linked to the claims to publicly explain the source of the funds being used for political activities, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability.
The group further urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as well as State Houses of Assembly, to commence immediate investigations into the allegations.
According to the organisation, any governor found culpable should face impeachment, prosecution and recovery of diverted public funds.
“Any governor who diverts public resources for political campaigns has violated public trust and abused the mandate given to them by citizens. Such individuals should not remain in office,” Mamedu said.
He warned that unchecked misuse of public resources could weaken democratic institutions and create an unfair political environment where incumbents enjoy undue advantage over other contestants.
The organisation also noted that while political parties have the right to organise campaigns and raise lawful support, such activities must not involve public funds, government assets or state institutions.
ActionAid Nigeria cited countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany and South Africa as examples where strict accountability measures exist to prevent incumbents from using state resources for partisan political activities.
The organisation called on citizens, civil society groups, journalists, whistleblowers and anti-corruption advocates to remain vigilant and expose any suspicious use of public resources for political purposes ahead of the 2027 elections.
ActionAid Nigeria maintained that safeguarding democracy and protecting public resources must remain a collective responsibility of both institutions and citizens.
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
Yobe Security Adviser Calls for Advanced Surveillance Technology to Defeat Boko Haram
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
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