If no one supports me with financial help, I will join Boko Haram or kidnapping gang, frustrated man threatens

A frustrated Nigerian man has sparked nationwide concern after issuing a one-week ultimatum in a viral video, threatening to join Boko Haram or become a bandit if no one helps him with financial support.

The video, shared on X by security expert @ZagazOlaMakama, showed the unidentified man expressing his despair and anger over poverty and the lack of assistance to start his business. His message, though disturbing, appears to be a desperate plea for attention and support.

In the video, the man said: “Word from the horse’s mouth. May God punish me if I cease to join Boko Haram or kidnapping gangs if nobody comes to assist me with a capital to do my business. And you saying I’m mad, wait and see madness when I get to Maiduguri, and I join, and come for you. Is there any disease as bad as poverty? Saying that I’m mad, give me a capital and see how I will run my business. Between now and next week Wednesday, if nobody helps, I swear to God, I will join Boko Haram.”

The statement has triggered widespread reactions on social media, ranging from ridicule to serious concern.

@NasirPlatinum took the statement seriously and urged authorities to act quickly:
“Better tell @officialABAT as early as possible due to limited time we have to support this guy. Remember that the one-week ultimatum is from Wednesday 02/07/2025 to Wednesday 09/07/2025. This is to avoid getting him into kidnappings and Boko Haram. Don’t allow him see Bello Turji.”

However, others like @Picturesque_ux responded dismissively:
“Lol let him join and he will be gone in no time like his future colleague 😂”

@MalAminuBello criticized the man’s logic, calling his preference irrational:
“This is an irrational and unprincipled preference. He is a strong man who can help himself; either way, cutting and selling trees is better than begging, as anyone would agree.”

Some users pointed to the failure of governance.
“This is my fear,” said @Anikulapolawale. “If we have a responsible government that will deal decisively with trouble makers, somebody like him would have had to weigh his choices appropriately. A responsible government should have the monopoly of violence!”

Others like @im_jamib saw the seriousness of the threat:
“This is not funny nor a joke 🙁🤦‍♂️”

Still, many remained unsympathetic.
@A_hameed35 said, “Allow him to join, his days are numbered. The Nigerian troops will surely send him to his creator. Mumu”

@NC_350 added, “The master strategy has succeeded in putting Nigeria back into the deepest part of poverty.”

While @HYcadio reminded the man he isn’t alone in his struggles:
“He should know that not only him is facing problems.”

The incident highlights the growing frustration and desperation among citizens facing economic hardship in Nigeria. It also underscores the dangers of poverty pushing individuals to the edge, making them vulnerable to recruitment by terrorist or criminal groups.

Authorities have yet to officially respond to the threat.