Nigerian social commentator and Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has strongly criticised Afrobeats superstar Davido for using a high-profile international platform to spotlight the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
During the Grammy-nominated artiste’s performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on June 10, Davido wore a customised jacket listing the names of the abducted victims, with bold “Bring Them Home” messaging.
He emotionally addressed the crowd, distinguished between those still missing and those killed, prayed for their safe return, and highlighted the tragedy to a global audience.
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Omokri fired back on X, arguing that such global publicity harms rather than helps rescue efforts. He wrote: “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.”
Quoting former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher: “Publicity is the oxygen of terrorism”, he warned that intense media attention increases the hostages’ value to their captors, complicates quiet negotiations by security agencies, and ultimately benefits the terrorists.
While acknowledging Davido’s good intentions, Omokri drew on his experience with past cases such as Chibok and Leah Sharibu, stating that celebrities and activists often make victims “too valuable” through public campaigns. He urged a more discreet approach to support ongoing security operations.
Recall that on May 15, 2026, armed gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area: Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, abducting around 39 pupils (including toddlers) and seven teachers.