Social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) has reacted strongly to the recent kidnapping of 45 schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oyo State, an incident that also resulted in the death of one teacher. The abduction, which occurred in the state, has sparked national outrage, especially after the kidnappers made a series of alarming demands, including ₦1 billion to be deposited into an account in the Benin Republic, the release of terrorists held in Agodi and Abolongo prisons, two Hilux vehicles, and the amendment of Oyo State laws to enforce Sharia law.
VDM expressed deep concern over the inclusion of Sharia law in the kidnappers’ demands, suggesting it fuels existing fears among Nigerians about a covert agenda to Islamise the country. “This demand from these terrorists, especially the part of Sharia law, goes further to strengthen what has been on the lips of a lot of people, that there’s an agenda to Islamise Nigeria,” he said. He referenced the historical mission of Usman Dan Fodio to spread Islam across parts of West Africa, drawing parallels to what he sees as a modern continuation of that effort by extremist groups.
However, VDM was quick to clarify that the majority of Nigerian Muslims do not support such extremist ideologies. “Even if there’s an agenda to Islamise Nigeria, 80 per cent of Muslims in Nigeria will not be part of this doctrine of these terrorists,” he emphasized. He also highlighted internal divisions within the Muslim community, noting that some Yoruba Muslims are not considered “true Muslims” by certain extremist sects. He recalled incidents where Muslims reportedly refused to pray in Yoruba mosques, underscoring the religious and cultural fractures that exist.
VDM further pointed out that terrorist groups like Boko Haram have killed more Muslims than Christians in recent years. “Do you know that these terrorists have claimed more Muslim lives than Christians? Go and do your research. States like Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, all Muslim states, have suffered the most,” he stated. He explained that kidnapped Muslims are often questioned about their religious practices and may be killed if they are deemed not to follow the “right” version of Islam.
The social commentator also raised alarm over the kidnappers’ confidence in demanding ransom payment to an account in the Benin Republic. “What do they mean by sending one billion naira to Benin Republic? Is the government there part of this whole thing? Do you know what it means to be confident enough to send money to another state?” he questioned. He warned that these groups are gaining strength and urged the government to take decisive action to prevent the spread of such extremist agendas.
As the nation grapples with rising insecurity, VDM’s comments underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address both the immediate crisis and the deeper ideological threats that fuel violence. The incident in Oyo State is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of insecurity in Nigeria and the need for sustained, coordinated efforts to protect lives and uphold national unity.
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