Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has issued a passionate and unyielding defence of his decision to use the global stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles to spotlight the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State, insisting that Nigeria's international reputation must never take precedence over the safety of innocent children. In an interview with BBC's Focus on Africa aired on Sunday, 5 July 2026, the Grammy-nominated artiste addressed the controversy head-on, explaining why he wore a customised jacket emblazoned with the names of 39 abducted children and seven teachers, alongside the message "Bring Them Home," during his performance at the high-profile event. "A lot of people don't really want to talk about what goes on in my country simply because they want to protect the image, but there's no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped," Davido declared, in remarks that have since reverberated across social media and mainstream news platforms.
The singer's protest was triggered by the abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026, a mass kidnapping that has left families in anguish and the nation in a state of collective outrage. According to reports, the victims were taken from three schools in the area, and despite ongoing rescue operations, they remain in captivity. Davido, who was billed as a headlining performer at the official FIFA World Cup countdown concert, turned his appearance into a powerful advocacy moment, using his global platform to demand urgent action and keep international attention focused on the plight of the missing students. His jacket, which prominently displayed the names of the victims, was seen by millions around the world, drawing unprecedented global scrutiny to Nigeria's escalating security crisis.
The decision, however, was not without controversy. Davido faced sharp criticism from some quarters, including prominent Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara, who accused the Afrobeats star of embarrassing Nigeria before a global audience and politicising insecurity. Rarara questioned the purpose of Davido's action, asking: "Davido took the names of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, wrote them on the Nigerian flag and displayed it in America. What was the purpose? What did he hope to achieve?". Nigeria's Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, also faulted Davido's advocacy, warning that global attention on terrorism cases could inadvertently undermine rescue efforts. But Davido has remained defiant, arguing that silence in the face of such tragedy is a greater betrayal of the nation than any perceived damage to its image.
In his BBC interview, the singer elaborated on his motivation, explaining that he could not ignore the reality of what was happening back home while enjoying the privilege of performing on a global stage. "As much as I was happy to do the World Cup, we also have to understand that there are things going on back home in our country, which we have the power to let the world know through our own means," he said. He emphasised that every public figure carries a responsibility to leverage their influence in advocating for issues that affect society. "When I say our own means, where is our power? My power is in music, performances. We have the students that have been missing still not found. So yeah, I use my platform to project what's really going on," Davido stated. His words struck a chord with many Nigerians who have grown increasingly frustrated with the government's inability to secure the release of the abducted victims and end the cycle of mass kidnappings that have plagued the country.
The abduction in Oyo State has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Nigeria, with civil society groups, activists, and concerned citizens urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure the victims' release. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has previously declared his willingness to sacrifice himself if necessary to ensure the safe return of the schoolchildren, their teacher, and principal, and has assured residents that Oyo State would never suffer a tragedy akin to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping. The Take It Back Movement, however, has criticised both the Nigerian government and Governor Makinde, describing the delay in rescuing the victims as a "damning indictment" of the state's failure to protect its citizens. The Nigerian Army has also confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing, with the Chief of Army Staff stating that "tremendous progress" is being made.
Davido's protest has also drawn praise from notable figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who lauded the singer's "remarkable gesture" in raising awareness about insecurity in Nigeria on the global stage. Obi described Davido's action as a powerful use of his platform to transcend mere entertainment and draw attention to the suffering of innocent victims. The debate over Davido's protest has exposed deep divisions among Nigerians about the appropriate way to address the country's security challenges, with some arguing that airing the nation's dirty laundry on the global stage is counterproductive, while others insist that only international pressure can force the government to act decisively.
As the days pass and the abducted children and teachers remain in captivity, Davido's call to "Bring Them Home" continues to echo across the globe. His defiance in the face of criticism has solidified his position not just as a musical icon, but as a voice for the voiceless, unafraid to speak truth to power. "There is no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped," he said, a simple yet profound statement that has challenged Nigerians to confront the uncomfortable reality that the safety of their children is far more important than any reputation the country might seek to uphold on the world stage. For the families of the missing, Davido's protest offers a glimmer of hope that their loved ones have not been forgotten, and that the world is watching.
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