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Reno Omokri criticizes Davido's advocacy for abducted Oyo schoolchildren, citing potential harm to rescue efforts
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigeria's Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticized Afrobeats star David Adeleke, known as Davido, for his public advocacy regarding the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. Omokri argued that global publicity surrounding terrorism cases could hinder rescue efforts. Davido had used his appearance at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert to highlight the plight of pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, wearing a customized jacket and shirt with victims' names. In a statement via X, Omokri warned that such publicity could empower terrorist groups rather than pressure them, stating, "Publicity Helps Terrorists. It Does Not Pressure Them. They Treasure it!" He referenced former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's view that "Publicity is the oxygen of terrorism" and suggested that global attention can shift pressure from perpetrators to governments. Omokri also claimed that past advocacy efforts, including his own, had unintended consequences, citing how his activities made Leah Sharibu's release less likely by increasing her value as a hostage. He further argued that the global #BringBackOurGirls movement complicated rescue efforts for the Chibok girls by prompting abductors to increase security. Omokri maintained that Nigerian security agencies are actively working on rescue operations for the Oyo schoolchildren, noting past successful recoveries.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadA South African woman, Thabile Sibeko, identifying herself as president of the Inizwe Nathi Party, made controversial statements at the airport during the repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa. The first group of 262 Nigerians, primarily women and children, arrived in Lagos following escalating anti-immigrant violence. Sibeko bid farewell to the Nigerians, stating, "We did not appreciate the wrongs that you have done, and we hope that you have learned a lesson." She accused Nigerians of being responsible for drug-related problems in South Africa, alleging they had "killed our children with drugs," and asserted, "Nigeria is horrible, these people are horrible." She differentiated Nigerians from other foreign nationals, to whom she expressed gratitude. It could not be independently verified if the Inizwe Nathi Party is a registered political party in South Africa. This repatriation occurs amidst weeks of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa. A second flight for the remaining Nigerians is scheduled for June 15. South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, characterized the repatriations as routine immigration enforcement, noting a 46 percent increase in deportations over two years. Nigerian officials, however, stated the returnees were fleeing xenophobic attacks, with over 1,000 Nigerians having registered for voluntary return.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs NSCIA has cautioned against attributing criminal activities to specific religious or ethnic groups, stating that such narratives exacerbate divisions and hinder efforts to combat insecurity. In a Democracy Day message, the NSCIA, through its Public Affairs Officer Abbas Jimoh on behalf of the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, emphasized that criminality should not be given ethnic or religious labels. The council expressed concern over persistent threats from banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, which claim lives and impede national development. It condemned all forms of violence and urged perpetrators to cease their destructive actions. The NSCIA also addressed attempts to associate Nigerian Muslims with violent crimes, calling such profiling false and unfair to the majority of peace-loving Muslims. It cited the recent kidnapping in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, noting that subsequent developments disproved initial attempts to link the incident to Islam or Sharia. The council further stated that ethnic profiling was misleading, as suspects were not identified as Fulani, contrary to earlier reports. The NSCIA urged media, opinion leaders, and stakeholders to maintain professionalism and fairness in reporting to avoid inflaming tensions. It called for increased cooperation among government, security agencies, and citizens to address insecurity and congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day,
Must ReadThe All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo State has expressed concern over Governor Seyi Makinde's statement regarding the loss of over 200 members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps, in undisclosed circumstances. The APC, through its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, called on the Governor to provide more details about these deaths and ensure the protection of corps officials and residents. Governor Makinde had mentioned the deaths during a visit to Oriire Local Government Area on May 30, following an incident where two people were killed and over 40 school children and teachers were abducted on May 15. The APC criticized what it described as the Governor's "lack of empathy" and "flippancy" in announcing the deaths. The party also raised questions about the conditions of service within the Amotekun Corps, suggesting a lack of synergy with federal security agencies and improper deployment of corps members to guard private facilities. The APC urged the Governor to involve security experts and improve training and welfare for Amotekun officials.