Singer Davido has refused to back down from his campaign for the release of the Abducted Oyo Schoolkids, despite criticism from former presidential aide Reno Omokri over his approach to the issue.
The award-winning Afrobeats star recently used the global stage of the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to draw attention to the plight of the kidnapped pupils and teachers from Oyo State.
During his performance, Davido appeared on stage wearing a customised black jacket featuring the names of the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers who were abducted from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities.
The back of the jacket carried the message, “Bring Them Home,” while a white shirt underneath displayed the word “Nigeria.”
Reno Omokri Questions Public Campaign
Davido’s gesture quickly attracted attention online and sparked a reaction from Reno Omokri, who questioned whether public campaigns were the best way to address kidnapping cases.
According to Omokri, excessive publicity surrounding abductions could potentially serve the interests of kidnappers and terrorist groups.
Referencing former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he argued that “publicity is the oxygen of terrorism,” suggesting that widespread attention might encourage criminal elements seeking recognition.
The former presidential aide maintained that while Davido’s intentions appeared positive, such campaigns could have unintended consequences.
Davido Reaffirms Support for Abducted Oyo Schoolkids
Rather than directly responding to Omokri’s comments, Davido chose to reinforce his position through social media.
Hours after the criticism emerged, the singer shared several images from his FIFA concert appearance and accompanied them with a brief but powerful message: “BRING THEM HOME.”
The post was later shared again, further highlighting his determination to keep attention on the situation involving the Abducted Oyo Schoolkids.
His response has been widely interpreted as a clear indication that he remains committed to using his platform to advocate for the safe return of the victims.
The singer’s actions have generated significant discussion across social media platforms, with users divided over the effectiveness of celebrity-led advocacy in sensitive security matters.
Some supporters applauded Davido for using his international influence to shine a spotlight on the abduction, arguing that increased awareness could help sustain public pressure for action.
One social media user wrote: “People who never spoke about it are complaining, and now someone is creating awareness, they are still complaining.”
Others, however, questioned whether the campaign would contribute to securing the release of the victims, with some critics arguing that such global attention could portray Nigeria negatively on the international stage.
Despite the differing opinions, Davido’s message remains unchanged. By repeatedly sharing the “Bring Them Home” campaign, the singer has made it clear that he intends to continue advocating for the Abducted Oyo Schoolkids until there is progress in their situation.
