Reno Omokri criticises Davido over advocacy for abducted Oyo schoolchildren

Nigeria’s Ambassador‑Designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticized Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, known as Davido, for publicly advocating on behalf of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State. Omokri warned that drawing international attention to terrorism cases could hinder rescue operations.

The dispute arose after Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert, wearing a jacket and shirt emblazoned with the names of pupils and teachers taken from Ahoro‑Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The singer’s attire highlighted victims still in captivity and those confirmed dead, calling for urgent government intervention.

In a lengthy post on X on Thursday, Omokri argued that such publicity may empower perpetrators rather than secure releases. “Publicity helps terrorists. It does not pressure them. They treasure it!” he wrote, adding that many believe international outrage forces armed groups to back down. “It is a very big mistake to think that publicity, or global outrage, pressures terrorists. Quite the contrary. They relish it! They thrive on it,” he said.

Quoting former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Omokri stated, “Publicity is the oxygen of terrorism,” noting that extremists rely on attention to amplify fear and influence outcomes. He said global campaigns can shift pressure from terrorists to governments while increasing the psychological impact of their actions. “If you do not know about their terrifying acts, they can’t have the power of terror over you,” he added.

Omokri cited his own past advocacy for Boko Haram hostages, including Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls, claiming that security officials later told him high‑profile campaigns had made the captives “too valuable” and prompted tighter security measures.

He maintained that Nigerian security agencies are actively working to free the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, noting that similar cases in the past have ended in successful rescues.

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