Nigerian social critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has once again ignited public debate after declaring what he believes is the only viable solution to ending terrorism in the country. His comments, delivered in a video posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, have sparked widespread reactions across social media.
In the clip, VDM attributed the persistent rise in terrorism and violent extremism to one major factor: lack of education, particularly in Northern Nigeria. According to him, the country’s most pressing security threats are deeply rooted in long-standing educational deficiencies that leave many young people vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups.
He argued that most individuals involved in acts of terrorism come from the northern region, emphasising that improving access to quality education would drastically reduce the number of young men taking to the forests to join armed groups.
VDM insisted that only a massive, deliberate investment in education can pull these youths away from criminality and ultimately restore lasting peace.
His remarks have continued to generate discussion nationwide, with many Nigerians weighing in on whether education alone can dismantle the country’s complex security challenges or if broader reforms remain necessary.