Tinubu Must Go: VDM Leads Mass Abuja Protest
ABUJA — Chants of “Tinubu Must Go” echoed through parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday.
Hundreds of protesters filled the streets as tension over insecurity and economic hardship spilled into public view.
The demonstration was led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). He called for urgent action to address Nigeria’s worsening security situation and rising cost of living.
The demonstrators were made up largely of youths and civil society advocates.
They marched through major roads in Abuja carrying placards and banners condemning the growing wave of kidnappings, bandit attacks and violent crimes across the country.
Many of the protesters accused the Federal Government of failing to guarantee the safety of citizens. They said this was happening despite record spending on security over the years.
The protest comes at a time when concerns over insecurity have intensified nationwide.
Communities in several states are grappling with kidnappings for ransom, attacks on farmers, assaults on travellers and recurring threats from armed groups.
As the crowd swelled, protesters chanted several slogans. These included “Bandits Must Go,” “Kidnappers Must Go,” “Terrorists Must Go” and “Tinubu Must Go,” expressing frustration over what they described as government failure.
Addressing the gathering, VDM said Nigerians were increasingly becoming prisoners in their own country.
He added that fear now dictates how people travel, work and live.
“We are tired. We can no longer travel freely because bandits are taking over Nigeria,” he declared. His remarks drew loud reactions from the crowd.
He questioned why insecurity remained widespread despite huge budgetary allocations to security agencies.
He insisted that citizens deserved better protection and accountability from those managing public resources.
The activist also condemned the repeated abduction of schoolchildren in different parts of the country.
He warned that continued attacks on vulnerable communities were eroding public confidence in the nation’s security framework.
VDM further drew attention to the welfare conditions of security personnel.
He argued that many officers are expected to confront heavily armed criminal groups while operating under difficult circumstances.
The protesters later moved toward key government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Defence and the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
They renewed calls for decisive action against kidnappers, bandits and terrorist networks.
Security operatives maintained a heavy presence around strategic locations, including the Presidential Villa and Eagle Square.
Traffic was disrupted in parts of the city as the demonstration progressed.
Thursday’s protest became one of the most visible public expressions of frustration over Nigeria’s security challenges in recent months.
It reflected growing demands for concrete results in the fight against criminality and violence across the country.
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