Popular Nigerian social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as #VeryDarkMan (@vdmempire), has publicly criticised the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, over the continued wave of insecurity across parts of the country.
In a video posted to his social media platforms, #VeryDarkMan expressed outrage over the persistent killings in several northern states, where civilians have remained victims of attacks by bandits, armed militias and extremist groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. Graphic videos of such attacks have continued to circulate widely on social media.
The influencer shared a clip allegedly showing suspected insurgents, believed to be members of Boko Haram, displaying newly acquired weapons, including AK-47 rifles and machine guns. The armed men, speaking in Hausa, were heard thanking “Allah” for what they described as a successful acquisition of the firearms, reportedly referring to their bullets and ammunition as “groundnuts.”
Reacting to the footage, VeryDarkMan said many Nigerians are deeply dissatisfied with the worsening security situation, arguing that expectations placed on the current administration, particularly the Defence Ministry, have not been met. He stated that citizens had high hopes when Christopher Musa assumed office, but that the level of violence has instead escalated.
He further called on the Defence Minister to “rise to the expectation,” stressing that innocent civilians, including farmers, women and children, continue to lose their lives daily. He also referenced reports of attacks spreading to parts of Kwara State.
In his message addressed directly to the Minister, VeryDarkMan wrote:
“To the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, words cannot express my disappointment in you. I had so much hope that when you were made Minister of Defence, you would end the insecurity in this country. Sadly, it is becoming worse every day. What is the hope of the common man in this country? Farmers are dying, children are dying, mothers are dying, and yet nothing is being done. You keep giving us false hope every day… When does this all stop?”
The influencer concluded by urging the Minister to take decisive action to curb the ongoing violence and restore security across affected communities.
