Social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) has reacted strongly to the demands reportedly made by bandits who abducted 45 schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oyo State, an incident that also claimed the life of one teacher.
According to reports, the kidnappers demanded ₦1 billion to be paid into an account in the Benin Republic, the release of terrorists held in Agodi and Abolongo prisons, two Hilux vehicles, and an amendment of Oyo State laws to enforce Sharia law.
Reacting to the development, VDM expressed concern over the inclusion of Sharia law in the demands, saying it appears to support fears held by some Nigerians.
“This demand from these terrorists, especially the part of Sharia law, goes further to strengthen what has been on the lips of a lot of people, that there’s an agenda to Islamise Nigeria,” he said.
VDM referenced the historical efforts of Usman Dan Fodio to spread Islam across parts of Nigeria, noting that some people believe present-day insurgents are attempting to continue that mission. However, he stressed that the majority of Nigerian Muslims do not share the ideology of extremist groups.
“Even if there’s an agenda to Islamise Nigeria, 80 per cent of Muslims in Nigeria will not be part of this doctrine of these terrorists,” he added.
The social commentator also spoke about divisions within the Muslim community in Nigeria, claiming that some Yoruba Muslims are not regarded by certain sects as “true Muslims.”
He recalled situations where Muslims allegedly refused to pray in Yoruba mosques, saying the incidents highlight internal differences within the faith.
VDM further argued that terrorist groups such as Boko Haram have killed more Muslims than Christians over the years.
“Do you know that these terrorists have claimed more Muslim lives than Christians? Go and do your research. States like Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, all Muslim states, have suffered the most,” he stated.
According to him, some extremist groups question kidnapped Muslims about their religious practices and may kill them if they are considered not to follow the “right” version of Islam.
Warning about the growing threat posed by terrorists, VDM said:
“Every day these people are gaining strength. What is the government doing about it? Because if nothing is done, this agenda will continue to spread.”
He also questioned the confidence behind the demand that the ransom be sent to the Benin Republic.
“What do they mean by sending one billion naira to Benin Republic? Is the government there part of this whole thing? Do you know what it means to be confident enough to send money to another state?” he asked.