ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has strongly criticized the federal government after a violent attack in Kwara State left worshippers dead and a pastor abducted inside a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
The attack, captured in a viral video, showed worshippers scrambling for safety as gunmen opened fire outside the church. In one harrowing scene, an elderly woman using a walking stick was unable to flee as rapid gunfire rang out. Local residents said the attackers stormed the church during service, forcing worshippers to scatter in panic.
Authorities have yet to release official casualty figures, but witnesses reported multiple deaths and the abduction of the church’s pastor. Police in Kwara State have not issued a detailed statement, deepening public frustration over the government’s silence.
VDM, known for his outspoken activism and viral commentaries, said he was deeply shaken after watching the video. “I have reason to believe the president is no longer with us,” he said, suggesting that leadership has failed to grasp the gravity of the crisis. “I was disturbed because my mother and our mothers are always in church. Seeing grandma with a stick unable to run while bullets flew outside — that broke me.”
He accused the federal government of failing to act decisively against extremist violence. “This government cannot continue to ignore the cries of the people,” VDM added. “When citizens see these atrocities and nothing happens, it erodes trust in leadership.”
Public reaction was swift. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #JusticeForKwara and #VDM trended as Nigerians demanded accountability and immediate action. Many users echoed VDM’s criticism, saying the attack reflects systemic failures in security and governance.
Civil society groups also condemned the killings, urging authorities to respond transparently and restore public confidence. “The government must show that no one is above the law,” one advocacy group said, warning that silence only deepens mistrust.
Analysts note that the Kwara church attack is part of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity crisis, where religious spaces, schools, and rural communities are increasingly targeted by armed groups. International watchdogs have repeatedly flagged Nigeria’s vulnerability to extremist violence, urging stronger protections for civilians.
VDM’s intervention underscores the growing influence of social media activists in shaping Nigeria’s political discourse. His criticism adds pressure on the government to address not only the Kwara incident but also wider concerns about insecurity and accountability nationwide.
