- The Hunt Is On: Reno Omokri offers ₦3 million for info on X users who threatened Peter Obi’s family.
- Threats Detailed: Disturbing social media posts targeted Obi’s wife and children.
- Omokri’s Motivation: Personal experience with family threats fuels his action.
- Mixed Reactions: Public opinion divided between support and skepticism.
- Ongoing Investigation: The search continues as of July 1, 2025.
The Backstory: Chasing Shadows Online
Reno Omokri, a well-known political commentator and former presidential aide, isn’t playing games. He’s putting his money where his mouth is, offering a whopping ₦3 million reward for anyone who can identify two X (formerly Twitter) users accused of making death threats against the family of Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate. This is no small matter, folks.
What Exactly Happened? The Nitty-Gritty
The drama started when a user with the handle “@olorilAlayiuwa” posted a deeply disturbing message alongside a photo of a woman in traditional attire: “You see this woman? P.O. will bury her with her children.” Ouch! That’s a clear threat against Obi’s wife, Margaret Obi, and their kids. The post has since vanished (or been hidden) from the platform. There was also a second threat, details of which are still hazy.
The Bounty: ₦3 Million Up for Grabs!
Omokri is serious about this. He’s offering ₦1.5 million for information leading to the identification of each user. To keep things legit, Reverend Emmanuel Ojeifo Omokugbo of the Catholic Church will oversee the verification process and hand out the rewards. Talk about transparency!
Why Is Omokri Doing This? A Personal Vendetta?
Omokri says this is personal. He’s been down this road before, with his own family targeted, including a threat against his then one-year-old daughter. He’s drawing a line in the sand, arguing that political disagreements shouldn’t turn into threats and harassment. Time to build a more respectful political arena, according to Omokri.
The Internet Reacts: Applause and Side-Eyes
The internet, as always, is a mixed bag. Some are cheering Omokri for taking action against online threats. Others? Not so much. Critics are questioning his motives, accusing him of being selective in his outrage. Some point out that he didn’t act the same way when he was threatened. Others suggest the threats against Obi’s family might be linked to the heated political climate after the 2023 elections.
The Political Powder Keg: Obi, “Obidients,” and Online Wars
Peter Obi’s presidential campaign stirred up a lot of passion, especially among young Nigerians. But it also cranked up political and ethnic tensions. Omokri, a frequent critic of Obi and his supporters (the “Obidients”), claims he’s been a target of online abuse. The political temperature in Nigeria is always high and ready to boil over.
The Big Picture: Cleaning Up Nigeria’s Online Mess
Despite the controversy, Omokri insists he’s trying to dial down the toxic rhetoric in Nigerian politics. He’s calling on the public to help identify these online bullies and bring them to justice. As of today, the hunt is still on.
Side Note: The Role of Social Media Platforms
This whole situation also shines a spotlight on the responsibility of social media platforms like X. How effective are they at policing threats and hate speech? Are they doing enough to protect individuals from online harassment? These are questions that need answers.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Only time will tell if Omokri’s manhunt will be successful. But one thing is clear: the issue of online threats and harassment in Nigeria is not going away. It’s a problem that requires attention, action, and a commitment to creating a safer, more respectful online environment.
