Nigerian Ambassador designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised Nigerian music star Davido for publicly advocating for the release of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State, arguing that such publicity could inadvertently benefit the kidnappers and complicate rescue efforts.
In a lengthy statement released on Thursday, Omokri said many people mistakenly believe global attention and public outrage place pressure on terrorists.
According to him, terrorist groups often welcome publicity because it amplifies fear, expands their influence and increases the value of their hostages.
He maintained that although Davido’s intentions were noble, taking the issue to a global audience could ultimately serve the interests of the abductors rather than the victims.
Omokri cited former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who famously described publicity as “the oxygen of terrorism.”
According to him, terrorist groups depend on public attention to spread fear and strengthen their psychological impact on society.
He argued that if acts of terrorism remain largely unknown, the perpetrators lose much of their ability to instil widespread fear.
However, once such incidents attract significant media coverage and international attention, the terrorists achieve one of their primary objectives.
“Publicity, however well-intended, always works in the favour of terrorists by increasing their ability to incite fear in the public and pressure governments to give in to their demands,” Omokri stated.
Drawing from his experience as spokesman during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Omokri said rescue efforts following the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping became more difficult after the campaign gained worldwide prominence.
He specifically referenced former United States First Lady Michelle Obama holding a #BringBackOurGirls placard, an action that helped elevate the campaign to global attention.
According to Omokri, once the abduction became an international cause, the girls became more valuable from the perspective of their captors.
He argued that the heightened attention encouraged the insurgents to strengthen security around the victims and disperse them into different locations, making rescue operations significantly more challenging.
“From that point on, the girls became so high profile that it was more profitable, from a terror standpoint, for Boko Haram to hold on to them,” he said.