The recent wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across northern Nigeria has triggered a new wave of activism, with social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, launching a fresh #BringBackOurGirls-style protest both on the streets and across social media. His call follows a series of high-profile incidents, including the abduction of schoolgirls and deadly assaults on communities, which have renewed national anxiety over insecurity.

In videos shared online on Wednesday, VeryDarkMan displayed newly printed banners and posters carrying #BringBackOurGirls messages and was seen taking the campaign directly into the streets. He said the situation required citizens to speak out loudly and consistently, warning that silence in moments of rising threats only worsens the national climate. His move quickly gained traction on X and Instagram, drawing reactions from thousands of Nigerians who say the security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks.

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A post shared by Martins vincent otse (@verydarkblackman)

The activist said his decision to revive the iconic slogan was intentional, pointing to the parallels between today’s rising kidnappings and the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction that sparked global outrage. He argued that the country must not wait until another tragedy reaches international headlines before demanding accountability and faster government response.

His campaign comes amid a troubling uptick in attacks, including the killing of a school principal and the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State, as well as the deadly assault on a church in Kwara that was livestreamed, leaving several people dead and multiple worshippers kidnapped. These incidents have intensified national debate about Nigeria’s security architecture and the pace of response by federal and state authorities.

VeryDarkMan’s protest also captured emotional reactions from ordinary citizens who say they are exhausted by recurring cycles of violence. Many echoed his sentiment that the country appears to be slipping into a familiar pattern where vulnerable communities face continuous threats without lasting solutions.

The renewed #BringBackOurGirls message has revived memories of Nigeria’s past activism, though this time it is driven by a younger generation that has built large audiences online. VeryDarkMan’s influence, amplified through social media, means the campaign has the potential to spread rapidly and force security issues back into the center of national attention.

As reactions pour in, the activist insists the movement is not about political alignment but about demanding safety for Nigerian children, communities and schools. He urged Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines to raise their voices, saying insecurity affects everyone regardless of background.

For now, his call has reignited a familiar conversation at a moment when the country is grappling with new waves of violence. Whether the momentum will pressure authorities to accelerate operational changes remains to be seen, but the message is unmistakable. Nigerians, once again, are demanding answers.