By Jide Francis
Society Page Editor
Popular activist and social commentator, VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Saturday narrowly escaped a kidnap attempt along the ever-busy Ekpoma Road in Edo State.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred a few hours ago when VDM’s convoy was accosted by suspected gunmen believed to be kidnappers who laid an ambush on a section of the highway notorious for abductions.
Sources disclosed that the attackers opened fire sporadically in an attempt to force VDM’s vehicle to a halt. However, his driver reportedly maneuvered through the scene at high speed, allowing him and his team to escape unhurt.
Though shaken by the ordeal, VDM later confirmed the incident in a brief video shared on his social media page, thanking God and well-wishers for his safety while lamenting the rising insecurity on Nigerian highways.
“It was a close call today. These guys tried to stop us, but God came through. Something needs to be done about this road. Too many lives are at risk,” VDM said.
Residents and travelers familiar with the Ekpoma-Benin axis have long raised concerns over frequent cases of kidnappings and armed robbery on the stretch, with many calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and restore safety to the corridor.
As of press time, neither the Edo State Police Command nor the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had issued an official statement regarding the attack.
The incident has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing relief over VDM’s safety while demanding urgent government action to secure highways across the country.
