Popular Nigerian social critic Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkman (VDM), has outlined what he believes is the “only solution” to Nigeria’s persistent security and terrorism challenges.
In a video shared on his official Facebook page on Monday, VDM attributed the worsening crisis to limited access to formal education, especially across northern Nigeria. He argued that improved literacy and stronger educational systems would reduce the ease with which criminal and extremist groups recruit young people.
According to him, many of those drawn into terrorism come from socio‑economically disadvantaged communities where education levels are low. He suggested that prioritising mass education in the region could help redirect youths away from criminal networks.
“The only solution to terrorism is to educate the Northerners. Any Nigerian leader who dedicates at least four years of an eight‑year tenure to expanding education in the North would significantly address terrorism,” he said.
VDM stressed that empowering young people with knowledge and economic opportunities would make them less susceptible to manipulation.
“Knowledge is power. Until we prioritise education, Nigeria may continue to struggle,” he added, claiming that limited schooling creates vulnerabilities exploited by extremist groups.
He also expressed concern about the number of young people roaming the streets without access to formal schooling, warning that such conditions make mass recruitment by criminal groups easier.
VDM’s comments come amid ongoing national conversations about long‑term solutions to insecurity, including reforms in education, economic development, and community engagement.
