Social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has come under criticism following a video in which he suggested that Nigerians could contribute money to secure the release of kidnap victims if authorities fail to act promptly.
Reacting to the video, social media user Broda Mike strongly condemned the suggestion, warning that paying ransom could encourage more kidnappings.
“VeryDarkMan, go and delete that ab0minat!0n video you made yesterday, are you encouraging k!dnapp£rs? What do you mean we’ll contribute money for rans0me? If we do that, they won’t just k!dn@p 40 next time, they’ll k!dn@p 500 people. Instead, just tell the government to give everyone gvns so we can enter the bush to go f!ght the t£rr0r!sts ourselves,” he wrote.
His comments quickly generated mixed reactions from other social media users.
Responding, user @sykokaine disagreed with the gun proposal, stating, “That is not a very sane statement. Give guns to people???”
Another user, @AdewoleHappy, questioned how critics would react if a loved one were among those kidnapped.
“With if one of your pikin they inside blush since unko? But I no pray so🙏, you sure say na like this you go talk ?” the user wrote.
Some users defended VDM, insisting that his comments were intended to pressure the government into taking action.
“Smart people know very dark man was playing mind games with thr government all of una just to quick to talk about an issue about VDM just to get Views but rsmart people know VDM don’t take back is words,” wrote @AkanbiAyo94.
Similarly, @ejykmykel1 said, “Werey Dem nor know sey VDM make that video to get the government at their toes so as to bring the captives.”
Others, however, maintained that contributing money for ransom would only strengthen criminal activities.
“Honestly o, this guy Dey make believe say he just Dey wyn Nigerians for clout, like we should contribute and pay terrorist for how long ? 🤨,” wrote @bishopGodwinO.
