Popular Nigerian activist and internet personality Martins Vincent Otse, famously known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has broken his silence after a concerning period of absence from social media. His sudden disappearance and the emotional video shared by his elder brother, Mark Otse, have left fans deeply worried.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, VDM revealed he has been under immense stress, saying:
“I am really stressed out. I have not been able to sleep for five days.”
This honest admission has sparked conversations about mental health and burnout in the digital age, especially for those who constantly engage with Nigeria’s sociopolitical issues.
Brother’s Viral Plea: “Please Pray for My Brother”
The emotional wave started when VDM’s older brother, Mark, posted a video pleading with fans and supporters to pray for his younger brother.
“He is going through a lot. He hasn’t been himself. He’s not been sleeping. Please, pray for him,” Mark said tearfully.
In the video, which quickly went viral, Mark’s visible distress resonated with many Nigerians who have followed VDM’s outspoken activism online.
What Triggered the Breakdown?
VDM has been visibly affected by the unending cycle of violence across Nigeria, particularly:
The herders–farmers clashes in Jos and Benue,
The killing of innocent citizens,
And the lack of long-term solutions to these crises.
He explained that he’s been researching deeply into these issues, trying to understand why Nigeria seems stuck in repetitive violence:
“The reason I stopped talking about it is that I want to understand why this always happens. Why can’t it stop? Why do we keep repeating it?”
Public Reaction
Thousands of followers and well-wishers flooded social media with support:
“Mental health is real. Please take care of yourself, VDM.” – @real_naijaheart
“He has been speaking truth for us. Now it’s our time to speak prayer for him.” – @gidiwatch
However, a few users were critical, stating that VDM should also learn to balance activism with rest.
The Man Behind the Activism
VDM is known for his fearless take on social issues, calling out fraud, corruption, and abuse. But this episode has revealed the toll that constant public engagement and criticism can have on a person’s well-being.
He has also previously
Survived an EFCC arrest,
Spoken out about banking fraud against his mother,
And faced several controversies from celebrities and influencers.
A Wake-Up Call
This experience serves as a reminder that mental health affects everyone—even the strongest voices. VDM’s openness about his stress is a rare show of vulnerability that has encouraged others to speak out too.
If You’re Struggling Too…
Please remember, you’re not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, don’t hesitate to:
Talk to friends or family
Seek help from a professional counselor
Contact mental health support organizations in your area
conclusion
VeryDarkMan’s message is clear: activism comes with weight, and sometimes, the loudest voices need a moment of silence. As he takes time to recover, fans and followers hope he returns stronger—with peace in his heart and power in his message.
Let us stand with VDM—not just as followers, but as a community that cares beyond content.
