Nigerian politician and former presidential aide Reno Omokri has publicly criticized Afrobeats superstar Davido for his recent advocacy on behalf of abducted schoolchildren from Oyo State during a FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles.
Davido's Gesture at the Concert
On June 10, 2026, Davido performed at the Crypto.com Arena wearing a black customized jacket inscribed with the names of 39 kidnapped schoolchildren and 7 teachers from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oyo State. The back of the jacket read 'Bring Them Home,' while his white shirt boldly displayed 'Nigeria.' The gesture was widely interpreted as a show of solidarity with the victims and their families, drawing international attention to the ongoing crisis.
Omokri's Criticism
In a lengthy broadcast, Omokri argued that such publicity could worsen the situation. He stated, 'Publicity helps terrorists. It does not pressure them. They treasure it! 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. The late British Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher, put it best when she said, “Publicity is the oxygen of terrorism.”'
Omokri emphasized that while Davido's intentions were noble, the act could embolden the abductors. He explained, 'Davido means well, but doing what he did actually helps the terrorists who took those children more than it aids the rescue of the kids and their teachers. Terrorists want publicity. That is how they spread terror.'
Drawing from Past Experiences
Referencing his involvement in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, Omokri recalled how global attention made the Chibok girls more valuable to Boko Haram, complicating rescue efforts. He also cited his personal efforts to secure Leah Sharibu's release, which security experts later told him had inadvertently raised her profile and made her harder to free.
Omokri stressed that the Nigerian government is actively working to rescue the abducted Oyo children and teachers, pointing to recent successful operations by security forces. He concluded, 'What this situation requires is not publicity, especially on a global stage. That is what the terrorists want.'
Public Reactions
Legit.ng compiled reactions from Nigerians to Omokri's statement. User nelly9ice commented, 'Stop going through the corners. This is how you should have said it: “Davido, please don expose the incompetence of the government to the whole again.”' User biguncleradio said, 'There's a way you'll even be arrested for knowing too much about how bandits operate.' User princess_starrrrrrrrrr wrote, 'Davido did the right thing by letting the world know what’s happening in Nigeria. Innocent children have been in the bush for weeks now.' User lily__inno asked, 'He knows the character of bandits?? Is he their patron?' User rvdxo_official remarked, 'Reno and sense are fighting.' User sir_itua added, 'If na your papa be this man and Deeone ehhhh, it is well o.'
The debate continues as many Nigerians weigh in on the effectiveness of global advocacy versus quiet diplomacy in cases of mass abduction.
