Social commentator Martins Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM), has once again raised concerns about what he describes as a strong agenda to Islamise Nigeria, following the recent abduction of 45 school children and seven teachers in Oyo State. The bandits killed one teacher during the attack and another while in captivity, according to earlier reports.
In a new video, VDM analysed the kidnappers' demands, claiming they reveal a deeper pattern. He stated, "There's a very strong agenda to Islamise Nigeria from some persons. And we are not paying attention to it. The everyday Muslims are naive, the Christians are naive, the government is naive because they are not paying attention to it. But slowly, slowly, it's coming. Nigerians, wake up."
Demands and Hidden Agenda
Reports revealed that the kidnappers demanded 1 billion naira to be paid into an account in Benin Republic, the release of terrorists held in Agodi and Abolongo prisons, two Hilux vehicles, and an amendment of Oyo State law to enforce Sharia law. VDM argued that the monetary demand was a decoy, while the release of terrorists and introduction of Sharia law were the real objectives.
Pattern of School Abductions
VDM linked the Oyo incident to a series of school abductions across Nigeria between 2024 and 2026, including 287 students in Kaduna (March 2024), 15 students in Sokoto (March 2024), 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi (November 2025), over 300 students in Niger State (November 2025), 23 children in an orphanage (April 2026), 42 students in Borno (May 2026), and 39 students and 7 teachers in Oyo (May 2026). He calculated that 753 students and teachers have been abducted in school-related attacks within this period, stressing that the repeated targeting of schools reflects the ideology of Boko Haram, whose name translates to "Western education is a sin."
VDM warned that the agenda is not only against Christians but also against Muslims who do not conform to extremist doctrines. He stated, "The doctrine is still stuck in their head. It's well calculated. The message is being carried that Western education is a sin, and every unbeliever in their own judgment will perish. That includes Christians, Muslims, and every other person they see as unbelievers."
Sharia Law Demand Raises Concerns
VDM had earlier expressed concern that the inclusion of Sharia law in the demands could reinforce fears of a broader agenda to Islamise Nigeria. He explained that this demand goes further to strengthen what has been on the lips of many people regarding an agenda to Islamise Nigeria. He referenced historical attempts by Usman Dan Fodio to spread Islam across Nigeria, suggesting that some believe today's insurgents are trying to continue that mission. However, VDM stressed that most Nigerian Muslims would not support such extremist doctrines.
The video sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians calling for increased vigilance and government action to address the growing insecurity and alleged Islamisation agenda.
