Popular Nigerian activist, Verydarkman, found himself in the middle of a life-threatening situation after encountering a group of kidnappers along the Agenebode Expressway in Edo State.
The shocking incident, which he later narrated and shared in videos on social media, has sparked nationwide reactions over the worsening state of insecurity and the unusual bravery of a civilian stepping into the line of fire.
According to reports, a fully loaded commercial bus was ambushed by armed kidnappers. The attackers reportedly shot the driver dead on the spot and whisked away several passengers into the surrounding bush.
In a dramatic twist, Verydarkman and his associates, who were also traveling on the road, pursued the armed men in the bus. Footage captured by the activist showed him collaborating with operatives of the Nigerian Police Force in a joint rescue effort.
Verydarkman after catching up with the bus was seen rushing to rescue an injured victim, soaked in blood, who had been caught in the crossfire.
Eyewitnesses claim that during the fierce exchange, one of the kidnappers was neutralized while others managed to escape with abducted victims. They described how the activist pulled the victim to safety, provided urgent assistance before security operatives took over. His intervention, many said, prevented further loss of life.
After the confrontation, Verydarkman declared that he was willing to go into the bush himself to hunt down kidnappers if the Federal Government would provide him with arms and proper support.
SEE HIS POST BELOW
His bold statement has since divided opinions across the country. While many Nigerians hailed his extraordinary courage and called him a hero, others warned that such risks were too dangerous for a civilian without military training.
The incident once again throws the spotlight on the relentless wave of kidnappings plaguing Edo State and Nigeria at large. It also raises tough questions about how insecurity continues to push ordinary citizens into roles that should primarily be handled by state security agencies.