Popular social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Monday led a massive protest in Auchi, Edo State, barricading Dangote trucks from using the roads until the company addresses the plight of accident victims allegedly caused by its drivers.
The protest was sparked by the case of Ruth Otabor, sister of BBNaija winner Phyna, who recently had her leg amputated after being hit by a Dangote truck just days after completing her studies at Auchi Polytechnic.
Joined by students of Auchi Polytechnic, VDM demanded that the Dangote Group not only foot Ruth’s medical bills but also pay adequate compensation to her and other victims of similar tragedies.
Addressing the crowd in a video circulating online, VDM declared:
“The people of Auchi have no choice but to stop all Dangote drivers from using our roads until the company compensates victims, regulates its drivers, and takes full responsibility.”
The protest comes barely 24 hours after another fatal accident involving a Dangote truck. In that crash near Omega Fire Ministry, Auchi, three lives were lost when a Dangote truck and another vehicle collided with a Mercedes Benz GLK.
Reacting to the tragedy, Apostle Johnson Suleman, General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, condemned the frequent carnage, describing it as “avoidable deaths caused by reckless driving.”
Outraged by the repeated accidents, VDM vowed to sustain pressure on Dangote Group, insisting that no Dangote trucks would be allowed to operate in Auchi until justice and compensation are delivered.
Online Reactions:
The protest quickly gained traction on social media, with Nigerians praising VDM’s courage.
- @onlylaceclothings: “VDM is doing very well I swear.”
- @ceejay_best: “VDM most important person on this internet.”
- @shockerbeatz: “Dangote truck wey nearly send me and my brother to early grave 5 days after my birthday in 2023 opelope grace. The driver japa cos he think say he don kpai us.”
- @theophilus_willie_: “We talk and we show workings. That is Ratel movement.”
- @omo_iya_ologun: “Una still dey call am manipulator?? Iyabo mumu children.”
- @liverpool_2020: “Omo make we talk true, VDM dey try for this country I swr.”
- @empire_temmy: “Yes this is it. I applaud him on this.”
With public support swelling, pressure is now mounting on Dangote Group to respond to the demands and address the growing outcry over road safety and victims’ welfare.
