Reno Omokri Faults Davido Over Publicity On Abducted Oyo Pupils.

Former presidential aide and Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised Afrobeats singer Davido over his public campaign calling attention to abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, saying such publicity around terrorism cases may not help rescue efforts.

The dispute followed Davido’s appearance at a FIFA World Cup countdown concert where he used his outfit to draw attention to pupils and teachers kidnapped in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. 

He wore a customised jacket and shirt with the names of the victims and messages highlighting those still missing and those confirmed dead, as part of a call for urgent action.

Omokri reacted in a post on Thursday, arguing that making terrorism cases widely public can benefit armed groups rather than pressure them. He said terrorist organisations often thrive on attention and publicity, which he believes can increase fear and strengthen their position.

He added that the idea that global outrage forces quick action is often misunderstood, insisting that publicity can make hostage situations more complicated. He also referenced past global advocacy efforts on kidnappings, saying increased attention in some cases can raise the value of victims to abductors and make negotiations more difficult.

Omokri further cited past incidents including the Chibok schoolgirls case, arguing that international campaigns may have altered the behaviour of abductors by increasing security around victims.

He noted that security agencies are still working on efforts to secure the release of the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers, adding that similar operations in the past have led to successful rescues.