Popular Hausa musician and APC supporter, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, has criticised Afrobeats star Davido over his decision to highlight the plight of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State during a major international event.
The controversy stems from Davido’s appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles, where he performed wearing a customised jacket bearing the names of the kidnapped pupils and teachers alongside the message, “Bring Them Home.”
The gesture attracted widespread attention on social media and was praised by many Nigerians who viewed it as an effort to draw global attention to the victims’ plight and the country’s security challenges.
However, Rarara disagreed with the move, accusing the singer of taking Nigeria’s internal security issues to the international stage.
In a video circulating online, the musician argued that publicising the abduction crisis globally could undermine ongoing efforts by security agencies working to secure the release of the victims.
“What Davido exhibited was crude behaviour. How can you go and expose Nigeria’s secrets to the world? Why will he give publicity to insurgents?” Rarara said.
He further claimed that the timing of the gesture was inappropriate, alleging that security agencies were already working to resolve the situation.
According to him, giving international attention to the incident could complicate ongoing efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Rarara also suggested that political considerations may have influenced Davido’s decision, referencing the singer’s family ties to opposition politics.
“Just because his uncle is vying for re-election in an opposition party and Tinubu is in the APC, he printed the names of the kidnapped students and went to showcase them in America,” he alleged.
The singer further argued that influential public figures and content creators should be careful about amplifying security-related incidents, claiming that excessive publicity could encourage criminal groups seeking attention.
His comments have since sparked mixed reactions online.
While some agreed that sensitive security matters should be handled carefully, many others defended Davido’s action, arguing that raising awareness about the plight of innocent children and teachers cannot be equated with supporting criminal activities.
Supporters of the Afrobeats star maintained that his message focused on the victims and their safe return rather than promoting the actions of the kidnappers.
The debate comes amid growing national concern over the fate of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, with citizens, activists, celebrities and public figures continuing to call for urgent action to secure their freedom.
Debidooo 😭 pic.twitter.com/zsFTFR1mkF
— Davido (@davido) June 17, 2026
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