Controversial social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, led a mass protest in Oyo State on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, calling on authorities to remove armed groups from the area. The demonstration came exactly 32 days after gunmen abducted dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

On May 15, 2026, armed men stormed three schools along the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis near Ogbomoso — Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School. The attackers killed one teacher during the raid and took 39 students plus seven teachers into the forest, according to reports. A mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed in captivity and a video of the act circulated online.

VeryDarkMan joined hundreds of residents who marched through Ibadan chanting “Bandits must go” and “Leave our land”. Speaking at Iwo Road Roundabout in pidgin, he warned that more attacks would follow if people stayed silent. He told protesters that anyone sent to disrupt the rally would be dealt with.

The protest highlights growing frustration over the continued captivity of the victims. Intelligence reports indicate the abductees are still being held within the Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast area covering about 2,500 square kilometers across parts of ten local governments. Security officials say the difficult terrain has slowed rescue operations.

Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration says security agencies have sealed off escape routes and are using ICT tools to track the kidnappers. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of ICT, Adegoke Fayoade, said Monday that technology was being deployed to secure the victims’ release without casualties.

The abduction has triggered nationwide protests by teachers, students, and civil society groups, with demands for urgent action from the federal government. The incident has revived concerns about school safety in Nigeria since the Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings.

Sources: Sahara Reporters, Vanguard News