Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has criticised Afrobeats star Davido over his public campaign for the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, arguing that extensive publicity often benefits terrorists rather than helping victims regain their freedom.
In a statement on Thursday, Omokri said terrorists thrive on publicity because it amplifies fear, attracts attention to their cause and increases pressure on governments.
According to him, while Davido’s intentions may have been noble, using a global platform to highlight the abduction could inadvertently advance the objectives of the kidnappers.
Citing former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Omokri noted that “publicity is the oxygen of terrorism,” arguing that terrorist groups often exploit media attention to project power and spread fear.
He referenced his experience as a spokesman during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, claiming that international attention generated by the #BringBackOurGirls campaign complicated efforts to rescue the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.
According to Omokri, the campaign’s global prominence made the girls more valuable to their captors, who subsequently increased security around them and dispersed the victims, making rescue efforts more difficult.
He also recalled his involvement in advocacy efforts for the release of Leah Sharibu, saying he travelled internationally and met several world leaders to raise awareness about her captivity.
However, Omokri said security officials later advised him that the publicity campaign was making Sharibu more valuable to her captors and reducing the chances of her release.
He added that after consulting security experts and reviewing guidance contained in UNESCO’s handbook on terrorism coverage, he scaled back public advocacy efforts relating to Sharibu’s case.
Omokri maintained that governments and security agencies should be allowed to carry out rescue operations without excessive public attention, arguing that terrorists often use high-profile hostage situations to attract recruits, raise funds and gain international recognition.
He urged Nigerians to approach the issue rationally and avoid allowing emotions to influence discussions surrounding hostage crises and counterterrorism efforts.
The comments come days after Davido used a FIFA World Cup countdown concert to call attention to the plight of abducted pupils and teachers, urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
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