Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Very Dark Man, has opened up about the recent tragic killings in Jos, shedding light on the grim reality many Nigerians face daily. Reports emerged on Palm Sunday that gunmen attacked a community in Angwa Rukuba, leaving several dead.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Very Dark Man described the situation with stark honesty. He noted that living in Nigeria today feels like being just one incident away from appearing in the news with an RIP tag on your picture. VDM recounted visiting the aftermath of the attack, describing corpses that were already bloated and decomposing. He urged citizens to stop relying on the government for protection and to take safety into their own hands.
“Living in Nigeria right now means you are one event away from making it to the news with an RIP tag because we can’t predict where the next attack will be,” he said. “I was there the day after the attack. The corpses were already bloated and smelling. At this point, I don’t care if the DSS comes for me. Don’t listen to the government anymore. We need to protect ourselves. We are at war in Nigeria. These people might attack again on Easter Day.”
The tragedy has sparked a wave of reactions from public figures. Actor Bolanle Ninalowo voiced his heartbreak, emphasizing that his loyalty lies with the people, not any government. He expressed deep concern over the continued suffering, stating he cannot remain silent while Nigerians endure such pain.
Actor Kunle Remi also reacted strongly, posting a video of the aftermath as his “real birthday message” to President Tinubu. He expressed hope that the president sees the weight Nigerians are carrying and that one day, leadership will truly feel the people’s struggles.
Earlier this month, footballer Emmanuel Emenike shared a message calling for a better Nigeria. He noted that anyone expecting positive change from oppressors is dreaming and highlighted that the country has abundant resources, yet is hindered by leaders he described as criminals.
Last year, musician Davido voiced sorrow over the kidnapping of young girls in Kebbi and the church attack in Kwara State. He reminded Nigerians that no family deserves such pain and called for unity in the face of violence. Even while celebrating his own birthday, he admitted his heart was with the nation, urging peace amidst the unrest.
Toyin Abraham reflected on the perspective of mothers living with fear, noting how acts of terrorism and religious extremism cut deep into families and communities. She questioned how society can confront such pervasive threats to safety.
Even the younger generation is speaking up. Wizkid’s son, Boluwatife, declared that he and his peers refuse to stay silent. He emphasized that the youth are the future of Nigeria and will not accept a future defined by fear.
The recent events in Jos have reignited national conversations about safety, governance, and the urgent need for Nigerians to protect themselves. Voices across the country, from celebrities to social activists, are calling for awareness, action, and solidarity in confronting the ongoing crisis.
