VeryDarkMan leads protest in school uniform over FCT teachers’ strike

Controversial activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), staged a bold and theatrical protest on Monday, June 17, at the gates of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister’s office in Abuja, drawing national attention to the prolonged strike by primary school teachers in the FCT.

Dressed in a full school uniform and joined by a group of children similarly clad, VDM transformed the entrance of the minister’s office into a makeshift classroom.

The ongoing strike, which began on March 24, 2025, was launched by primary school teachers in protest against the refusal of Area Council Chairmen to implement the newly approved national minimum wage of N70,000. The teachers’ demands have so far been ignored, leaving thousands of pupils across the FCT without access to basic education.

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In a powerful display of civil disobedience, the influencer led the children in a mock lesson, reciting the alphabet loudly while highlighting the plight of pupils who have been out of school for over 90 days due to the strike.

“S for Suegbe, T for Tinubu, W for Wike,” he chanted, with the children loudly repeating after him, creating a spectacle that drew the attention of passersby and security operatives.

When approached by journalists for comments, VeryDarkMan declined to speak, maintaining that the premises of the Minister’s gate would remain the children’s new classroom until authorities addressed the issue.

At the time of filing this report, the children were seen having a lunch break of rice and chicken provided by VDM and his supporters.

The protest comes amid growing public frustration over the prolonged teachers’ strike, which has left thousands of schoolchildren stranded at home without access to formal education.

VeryDarkMan leads protest in school uniform over FCT teachers’ strike

Final year student commits suicide in Ondo, police launch investigation

A 28-year-old final year student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Precious Arobo, has reportedly taken his own life in Ondo

Arobo, a Higher National Diploma (HND) II student, was found dead in a bush near his residence by local residents. Sources said he allegedly left behind a suicide note before hanging himself, although the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.

According to sources, the suicide note hinted at emotional distress believed to be related to a troubled relationship.

It was gathered that his grieving parents have since buried him, with friends and colleagues describing him as a kind and well-loved individual.

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“He has been buried, and the parents were heartbroken over his death,”.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command has commenced an investigation and assured that the true cause of the suicide will be uncovered.

This tragic case came less than a year after a similar incident involving a female student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Modupe Ayandare, who also reportedly died by suicide after a church vigil.

Like Arobo, she was said to have left a suicide note before taking her life in an uncompleted building near the church.

Final year student commits suicide in Ondo, police launch investigation

Protest in Lapai after gunmen killed IBB varsity student

The Niger State Police Command on Monday confirmed the death of Jafar, a 300-level student of Chemistry Education at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, who was murdered in his lodge during a suspected armed robbery attack.

Gunmen believed to be robbers invaded the students’ residence around the Ndakitabu area, directly opposite the university’s main gate along Lapai-Minna Road, at about 2:30 a.m. on June 23, 2025. The attackers stabbed the student in the neck before fleeing the scene.

Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, told newsmen that the case is being treated as a homicide.

“Today being June 23, 2025, at about 3am, information was received that at about 2.30am, some hoodlums attacked a student lodge at Ndakitabu area via Lapai,” he said.

Abiodun said the Police operatives of Lapai Division rushed to the scene, but the “suspected robbers had escaped”.

“Unfortunately, one Jafar was stabbed on the neck and he was rushed to the general hospital in Lapai where he was later confirmed dead.

“As a result, some students barricaded the Agaie-Lapai road, protesting against this incident.

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“However, tactical teams of the Command have been dispatched to Lapai to ensure that normalcy is restored, while investigation into the unfortunate incident has commenced as the Commissioner of Police directed that the perpetrators of this heinous crime must be arrested and brought to book.”

Following the killing, angry students staged protests and blocked major routes including the Lapai-Agaie and Lapai-Minna roads.

The protesters blamed the incident on alleged negligence and a lack of security measures from university authorities and relevant agencies.

Jafar’s killing came less than two weeks after the university dismissed growing concerns of insecurity raised by students, including claims of rape and robbery.

In a statement dated June 12, 2025, titled “Attack on IBBUL Students: Disclaimer and Notice,” the Deputy Registrar (Information), Alhaji Baba Akote, dismissed the reports as false and deliberately misleading.

“The management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai wishes to categorically distant itself from the false and misleading information currently circulating on social media regarding alleged attacks and rape incidents involving students of the institution.

“The malicious narrative, sponsored by certain individuals with questionable intentions, appears to be aimed at causing panic, misinforming the public, and tarnishing the image of the university.

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“Members of the general public and academic community are advised to disregard the unfounded information and refrain from spreading unverified or emotionally charged content, especially when it touches on sensitive issues such as security and student welfare.

“The university is actively collaborating with relevant security agencies to investigate and fish out those behind the mischievous publications to bring the perpetrators to book.

“IBB University, Lapai Management reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of the students.

“Students are therefore, urged to always report security-related concerns to the University authority or the nearest police station for prompt action.

“Let it be known that the university does not condone any form of criminal activity and will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a conducive learning environment for its students.

“Members of the general public, especially users of social media, are encouraged to verify all information before sharing it on any medium and avoid sensationalism, as such actions only fuel unnecessary fear and confusion.

“Any person found to be directly or indirectly involved in any form of crime will be dealt with accordingly,” the statement read.

Protest in Lapai after gunmen killed IBB varsity student