Reno Omokri knocks Davido for advocating release of abducted Oyo schoolchildren during World Cup performance

The Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over his public advocacy concerning abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, cautioning that international attention on terrorism-related incidents could complicate rescue operations.

The controversy began after Davido appeared at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert, where he used his outfit to draw attention to pupils and teachers abducted in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. He performed wearing a customised jacket and shirt displaying the names of the victims, with markings indicating those still in captivity and those confirmed dead, describing it as a call for urgent government action.

Reacting in a lengthy post on X on Thursday, Omokri argued that such public attention may strengthen perpetrators rather than aid the release of victims.

“Publicity helps terrorists. It does not pressure them. They treasure it!” he wrote, adding that many people wrongly assume global outrage compels armed groups to retreat. “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,” explaining that extremist groups depend on attention to amplify fear and achieve their objectives. He further argued that global campaigns often shift pressure away from perpetrators onto governments while increasing the psychological impact of such attacks. “If you do not know about their terrifying acts, they can’t have the power of terror over you,” he added.

Omokri also referenced his past advocacy efforts involving Boko Haram hostages, including Leah Sharibu and the Chibok schoolgirls, claiming that security officials later informed him that high-profile campaigns made the victims “too valuable” and led to tighter security measures.

He maintained that Nigerian security agencies are actively working to secure the release of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers, noting that similar incidents in the past had ended in successful rescue operations.