Harry Archie
Hundreds of young Nigerians on Friday joined a protest in Abuja led by social media activist Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to demand stronger action against insecurity across the country.
The protesters carried placards with messages such as “End Insecurity Now” and “Protect Nigerian Lives” as they marched through parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Addressing the crowd, VDM said the protest was not politically motivated but aimed at drawing attention to the growing insecurity affecting many communities.
“We are here because Nigerians deserve to live without fear. Families are losing loved ones, businesses are closing, and many communities have been displaced. The government must act,” he said.
At one point during the protest, VDM challenged security agencies to intensify efforts against kidnappers, bandits and terrorists, drawing loud reactions from the crowd.
The protesters called on both the federal and state governments to improve security, strengthen intelligence gathering, and provide better support and welfare for security personnel.
They also urged closer cooperation between government agencies and local communities to tackle crime and violence.
Security operatives monitored the demonstration, while traffic was diverted in some areas to allow the procession.
No major incidents were reported.
The protest comes amid growing public concern over increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in different parts of the country.
