“APC Must Go”: VDM Leads Abuja Protest Over Insecurity

Hundreds of protesters on Thursday took to the streets of Abuja, led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, demanding urgent government action over worsening insecurity, kidnappings, and economic hardship across Nigeria.

The demonstrators marched through parts of the Federal Capital Territory chanting slogans such as “Terrorists Must Go,” “Kidnappers Must Go,” “Bandits Must Go,” and “APC Must Go,” while accusing the government of failing to protect lives and property despite heavy security spending.

The protest drew youths, civil society groups, and supporters who gathered in areas including Apo, carrying placards expressing frustration over rising insecurity and frequent abductions across the country.

Security operatives were deployed across strategic locations in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa and Eagle Square, as traffic movement was disrupted in parts of the city during the demonstration.

Addressing the crowd, VDM accused the government of failing to deliver results despite significant budget allocations to the security sector, insisting that citizens could no longer travel safely due to bandit activity.

“We are tired. We can no longer travel freely because bandits are taking over Nigeria,” he said.

He also referenced earlier comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, alleging that authorities are aware of some criminal groups but have failed to act decisively against them.

“You know their faces and you know their names… go and get them,” he said.

VDM further criticised repeated school abductions across Nigeria, describing them as evidence of weak security responses that have emboldened criminal networks.

He also raised concerns about the welfare of security personnel, arguing that many officers operate under poor conditions while confronting heavily armed criminals.

The protesters later moved toward key government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Defence and the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, renewing calls for stronger action against kidnappers, bandits, and terrorist groups.

The demonstration highlighted growing public anger over insecurity and the widening gap between security spending and persistent attacks on communities nationwide.