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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
NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
By: Michael Mike
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared full support for Nigeria’s intensifying war against substance abuse, aligning with the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat the growing threat of illicit drug use among young people.
The position was made known when NANS leaders, led by their National President, Sola Oladoja, paid a strategic visit to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Marwa at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
In a meeting that underscored rising concerns over drug abuse in tertiary institutions, the student leaders commended the NDLEA’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks and its preventive campaigns targeting campuses.
Oladoja described the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative as a transformative intervention that has significantly increased awareness among students about the dangers of substance misuse.
He said the association’s support for the NDLEA is rooted in a shared responsibility to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths, noting that drug abuse continues to threaten academic performance, mental health, and societal stability.
The NANS leadership also used the occasion to reaffirm its backing of President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing to policies they believe have directly impacted students and young people. Oladoja cited the rollout of the student loan scheme, improved stability in the academic calendar following the resolution of strikes, and expanded youth-focused programmes as evidence of the administration’s commitment.
According to him, these measures have strengthened confidence among students in the current government and informed their willingness to support its continuity beyond the current term.
Responding, Marwa welcomed the endorsement, describing Nigerian students as a critical constituency in the national effort to curb drug abuse. He noted that meaningful progress in the anti-drug campaign would require active collaboration with young people, particularly those in higher institutions where vulnerability to substance use remains high.
Marwa warned that drug abuse poses far-reaching consequences, from deteriorating health and disrupted education to increased crime and long-term social instability. He called on student leaders to take ownership of the campaign within their campuses by promoting awareness and discouraging peer influence toward drug use.
Addressing concerns over the Federal Government’s newly introduced drug integrity test policy for students, the NDLEA boss clarified that the initiative is not designed to punish but to protect. He explained that early identification of drug use allows for timely counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation, thereby preventing long-term damage.
The engagement ended with both NANS and NDLEA agreeing to deepen collaboration, signalling a more coordinated approach to tackling substance abuse within Nigeria’s academic environment.
NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered no fewer than 225 rustled cattle after engaging suspected bandits in Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 8:00 a.m. on April 20 by troops of 17 Brigade following credible intelligence on the movement of a notorious bandit leader, identified as Muhammad Filani, and his group.
The sources said the suspects were tracked to Kauri village in Kankia Local Government Area, where troops made contact and engaged them in a firefight.
“Upon contact, the troops engaged the bandits effectively, forcing them to flee and abandon the rustled cattle,” the source said.
The troops subsequently recovered a total of 225 cattle, which were handed over to relevant local authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.
Military authorities noted that the operation has dealt a significant blow to cattle rustling networks operating within the area.
They added that troops have sustained aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny bandits freedom of action across the state.
Meanwhile, under Operation Savannah Shield, troops continued offensive operations and routine security activities within their areas of responsibility.
Sources, however, confirmed that there was no major incident recorded during the period under review.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to combat banditry and related crimes in the North West.
Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims following a swift response to a distress call in Kaduna State.
Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on April 21, when troops deployed under Operation Enduring Peace at Ungwan Gora checkpoint received reports of gunshots suspected to be from kidnappers.
The sources said the attack took place along the axis between Ungwan Dariya and Rafin Tagwi Bridge in Sanga Local Government Area.
“On receipt of the report, troops responded immediately and moved to the location, where they made contact with the suspected kidnappers,” a source said.
According to the source, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes and abandon their victims.
During the operation, two persons who sustained gunshot wounds were rescued by the troops and promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Military authorities said the swift intervention of the troops prevented what could have escalated into a successful abduction.
They added that patrols have been intensified within the area to track down the fleeing suspects and forestall further criminal activities.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna
NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Troops Raid Hideout, Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Commander and Four Others in Ebonyi
Troops Foil Boko Haram Attack, Rescue Nine Captives in Mandara Mountain in Borno
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