Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, has criticised singer Davido for using his appearance at the FIFA World Cup to advocate for the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State, warning that such public campaigns may unintentionally benefit kidnappers. Davido wore a customised jacket during the global event featuring the names of the abducted victims and the message “Bring Them Home,” a move that earned widespread praise from Nigerians for drawing international attention to the country’s insecurity crisis. However, Omokri argues that publicity, while well-intentioned, can serve as a tool that empowers terrorist groups by increasing fear, boosting their visibility, and elevating the perceived value of hostages.
Omokri referenced former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s well-known statement that “publicity is the oxygen of terrorism,” asserting that widespread media coverage and global attention can amplify the psychological impact of kidnappings. He explained that when abductors receive international exposure, they gain more leverage and bargaining power, which may make them more reluctant to release their captives. According to him, terrorists thrive on attention and use it to instil fear in communities, strengthen their networks, and increase their influence.
Drawing from his experience during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Omokri pointed to the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction as a case where global campaigns, including the #BringBackOurGirls movement and involvement from figures like former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, may have complicated rescue efforts. He claimed that the heightened publicity increased the strategic value of the girls to Boko Haram, potentially making negotiations more difficult. Similarly, Omokri reflected on his own years-long international campaign for the release of Leah Sharibu, stating that he eventually abandoned the publicity-driven approach after security experts advised that the attention could be making her captors less willing to let her go.
Despite the public outcry over the Oyo abductions, Omokri emphasized that Nigerian security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims. He cited recent successful rescue operations as evidence that authorities are not ignoring the crisis. While acknowledging that many Nigerians may disagree with his stance, he stressed that terrorism-related issues demand strategic, well-considered responses rather than emotional reactions. His position underscores the complex balance between raising awareness and avoiding unintended consequences in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, the debate over how best to respond to abductions remains a critical national conversation.
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