The footage, which circulated widely online on Friday, triggered mixed reactions from the public. While some social media users praised the actress for offering prayers and spiritual support to the students, others questioned whether such activities were appropriate within a school environment.
Among those who strongly criticised the incident was Nigerian media personality and activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan or VDM. In a post shared on his social media platforms, he condemned the act and warned the actress against involving children in what he described as dramatic spiritual displays.
VDM argued that young people, particularly those in underprivileged communities, should be encouraged with practical guidance and life orientation rather than narratives that attribute personal struggles to spiritual forces.
“With all due respect to Tonto Dikeh… this is a warning: do not come to my area to do this again,” he wrote in part. “Na only poor man children good to test your powers? Leave my area kids alone. We want to raise kids with real-life orientation, not an ideology that if you don’t make it there is something following you from the village.”
He added that while prayers can be valuable, they should not replace hard work and practical development for young people. “Prayers are good; however, without work prayers are not useful,” he stated.
The exchange has further fueled debate online about the role of religion and spirituality in school environments, particularly when it involves minors. It also highlights the broader conversation about how public figures engage with vulnerable communities and the types of messages delivered during outreach activities.
As of the time of reporting, Tonto Dikeh has not publicly responded to the criticism. The discussion continues to generate reactions across social media, with supporters and critics on both sides weighing in on the matter.