Nigerian social critic Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkman or VDM, has proposed a solution to the country’s security challenges, specifically terrorism. In a recent video posted on his Facebook page, VDM attributed the worsening crisis to a lack of education, particularly in the northern region. He argued that the majority of those involved in terrorism in Nigeria hail from the North and suggested that education could be a key factor in reducing terrorist activities.
According to VDM, if a Nigerian leader were to dedicate a significant portion of their tenure to educating the northern population, it could potentially solve the terrorism problem. He emphasized the importance of knowledge, stating that it is power, and that the educated few are currently exploiting the uneducated as weapons. VDM noted that in the North, many young people do not attend school, instead focusing on religious studies, which can make them vulnerable to manipulation.
The critic pointed out that the North has a large number of young people who are idle and beg on the streets, making them easy targets for recruitment into terrorist activities. He cited cities like Maduguri and Zamfara as examples of areas where many young people are unemployed and uneducated, making them susceptible to exploitation.
The issue of terrorism is a longstanding concern in Nigeria, with various groups, including Boko Haram, perpetrating attacks and destabilizing the region. The lack of education and economic opportunities in the North has been identified as a contributing factor to the crisis. VDM’s suggestion highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing the root causes of terrorism, including education and economic development.
The Nigerian government has implemented various initiatives aimed at addressing the security challenges, including military operations and rehabilitation programs for former terrorists. However, the issue persists, and alternative solutions, such as VDM’s proposal, are being considered. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of terrorism, it is likely that the role of education and economic development in preventing radicalization will remain a topic of discussion.
