VeryDarkMan has accused the Nigerian government of forgetting kidnap victims from Ariko, Kaduna State, after reacting to a TikTok video allegedly released by their captors months after the April 2026 abduction
Social media activist VeryDarkMan has expressed deep concern over the plight of alleged kidnap victims from Kaduna State after viewing a disturbing video circulating on TikTok.
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On Friday, June 19, 2026, the outspoken influencer, popularly known as VDM, reacted to footage purportedly released by kidnappers showing individuals who were abducted from Ariko community on April 5, 2026, and remain in captivity nearly three months later.
In the video, the kidnappers reportedly expressed anger, claiming the Nigerian government lied about paying a ₦1 billion ransom along with 35 motorcycles for the victims’ release.
“This video was uploaded on TikTok, and I believe it was created by kidnappers because all the videos there show kidnapped victims,” VeryDarkMan said. “According to them, they are angry after the Nigerian government claimed it paid ₦1 billion along with 35 motorcycles, which they say is a lie. I think the government has already forgotten about those victims.”
He highlighted the presence of a breastfeeding mother among those still held, describing the situation as heartbreaking and worrisome. The claims in the video have not been independently verified by authorities.
VeryDarkMan’s reaction has sparked fresh conversations online about the government’s handling of kidnapping cases in the northwest region, where abductions for ransom remain a persistent security challenge.
Many Nigerians have echoed his fears that victims are often abandoned once media attention fades.
Kaduna State has recorded several high-profile kidnapping incidents in recent years, with residents frequently lamenting slow responses from security agencies.
While the government has on occasion announced successful rescues or ransom negotiations, families and activists continue to question transparency in these processes.
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This latest development underscores the urgent need for sustained attention and decisive action to secure the safe release of all individuals still held against their will.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
