- Reno Omokri, has criticised singer Davido for using his FIFA World Cup appearance to advocate for the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State.
- According to Omokri, while Davido’s intentions may be noble, publicising kidnapping cases on a global stage could unintentionally benefit terrorists by increasing fear, boosting their visibility, and making hostages more valuable.
Nigerian Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has weighed in on Davido’s recent campaign for the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State, warning that publicising such cases could work in favour of kidnappers rather than the victims.
Davido had attracted praise after appearing at the FIFA World Cup wearing a customised jacket bearing the names of the abducted children and teachers alongside the message “Bring Them Home.” Many Nigerians viewed the gesture as an effort to draw international attention to the growing insecurity crisis in the country.
However, Omokri argued that publicity is often one of the biggest tools used by terrorist groups to achieve their objectives.
In a statement released on Thursday, he referenced former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s famous description of publicity as “the oxygen of terrorism,” insisting that widespread attention can increase fear among the public while also raising the value of hostages in the eyes of their captors.
According to him, terrorists thrive on visibility and psychological impact. He explained that when kidnappings receive extensive media coverage and international attention, abductors may become more determined to hold on to victims because of the influence and bargaining power such publicity generates.
Drawing from his experience during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Omokri claimed that global campaigns surrounding the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction complicated rescue efforts after the issue gained worldwide attention.
He cited the global #BringBackOurGirls movement and former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama’s involvement, arguing that the heightened publicity increased the strategic value of the girls to Boko Haram.
Omokri also reflected on his own campaign for Leah Sharibu, revealing that he spent years advocating internationally for her release. He said he later abandoned the publicity-driven approach after security experts suggested that the attention being generated could be making her captors less willing to release her.
The former presidential aide maintained that Nigerian security agencies are actively working to rescue the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers, adding that recent rescue operations demonstrate that authorities are not ignoring the situation.
While acknowledging that many Nigerians may disagree with his position, Omokri insisted that terrorism-related issues require careful analysis and strategic responses rather than emotional reactions.
