- – Popular figure VDM was distressed after facing teargas from police while protesting against national hardship in Abuja.
- – Despite dangers, VDM insists on his constitutional right to protest and plans to continue demonstrating.
- – Social media users express support for VDM and worry about his safety, reflecting higher tensions between protesters and authorities.
Popular media figure, Martins Vincent Otse, known publicly as Verydarkman (VDM), has expressed his deep distress over the aggressive actions he faced while participating in a nationwide protest against the hardships in the country.
Incident During Nationwide Demonstration
This protest, which started on August 1st, is scheduled to continue until the 10th. Joining the movement on its second day, VDM encountered severe resistance from the police, who resorted to using teargas to disperse the demonstrators.
A video of the incident, which quickly gained traction across social media platforms, shows VDM explaining that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, allegedly ordered the security forces to break up the protest.
In the footage, VDM is visibly distressed, recounting the moments when he, along with other protestors, had to flee for their safety as the teargas filled the air. VDM’s eyes were affected by the teargas, making it difficult for him to see clearly.
Despite the dangers he faced, VDM firmly maintains that protesting is his constitutional right, and he should be allowed to exercise this right freely, without interference. He emphasized his resolve to protest wherever he chooses, underscoring the importance of civil liberties in a democratic society.
Watch the video below.
Public Reactions and Warnings
The video of VDM’s harrowing experience drew a wave of reactions from netizens. Many spoke out in support of him while also expressing their concerns for his safety.
For instance, a user named @big__rexx commented, “VDM is the main target. They surely know that for you to step out… there’s more ginger to the protest.” Another user, @tannybillionz, noted, “Omo nawa. This government is really against us. Be careful Ratel.” In a similar vein, well-known personality Rita Edochie offered cautionary advice, saying, “My son please all of you should be careful. Meanwhile well done.”
The incident highlights the growing tension between demonstrators and law enforcement authorities. It raises important questions about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
Read Also: Samklef praises Igbos for avoiding nationwide protest against bad governance
As the protest continues, there will likely be further reviews of how the government handles these expressions of public outcry.
