Davido’s ‘Bring Them Home’ message triggers debate with Rarara

A public exchange has erupted between Afrobeats star Davido and prominent Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara over the issue of insecurity in Nigeria following the singer’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles, United States.

The controversy began after Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, performed at the event on June 10 wearing a customised jacket bearing the inscription “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The gesture drew mixed reactions, with supporters describing it as a call for action on insecurity, while critics argued that it projected a negative image of the country on the international stage.

Reacting in a video shared on his Facebook page, Dauda Kahutu Rarara criticised Davido’s action, describing it as inappropriate and questioning the decision to spotlight a sensitive national security issue before a global audience.

Read Also:

Ganduje breaks silence on Kwankwaso remarks, recalls 1998 Kano primaries

Rarara argued that issues relating to insecurity should be handled with caution and warned against what he described as the politicisation of security challenges.

He also questioned the motive behind Davido’s decision to display the names of abducted victims during an international event, suggesting that such actions could damage Nigeria’s image abroad.

According to the singer, national security matters often involve complexities that may not be fully understood by the general public, urging Nigerians to be careful when discussing such issues.

Davido, however, responded through his social media platforms, dismissing Rarara’s criticism and insisting that citizens have a responsibility to speak out against insecurity regardless of political affiliations.

In a follow-up statement, the Afrobeats star maintained that patriotism requires Nigerians to raise concerns about the country’s security challenges and support efforts aimed at protecting innocent lives.

He argued that remaining silent in the face of insecurity was not in the national interest, adding that political considerations should never take precedence over the welfare of citizens.

Davido further urged Nigerians to prioritise truth, national interest, and accountability while advocating solutions to the country’s security challenges.

The exchange has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing divergent views on whether public figures should use international platforms to draw attention to domestic issues such as insecurity and human rights concerns.

While some commentators praised Davido for using his global influence to advocate for victims, others sided with Rarara’s position that sensitive security matters should be approached carefully to avoid unintended consequences.

The debate continues to fuel discussions on the role of celebrities, activism, and patriotism in addressing national challenges as insecurity remains a major concern across several parts of the country.

The controversy comes amid growing public conversations on insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria. Recently, popular Kannywood actor Sadiq Sani Sadiq, in separate video messages, called on Nigerian youths, particularly those in Northern Nigeria, to remain calm, organised, and law-abiding ahead of a planned peaceful protest against rising insecurity, kidnapping, inflation, and worsening economic conditions across the country.

According to the actor, the proposed demonstration is intended to draw attention to the daily struggles faced by millions of Nigerians, including banditry, abductions, unemployment, and the rising cost of living. He stressed that participants must conduct themselves peacefully and within the confines of the law.

Sadiq also cautioned against allowing hoodlums or criminal elements to hijack the protest and turn it violent or destructive. He urged young people to embrace unity, discipline, and responsible civic engagement, maintaining that meaningful change can only be achieved through organised and peaceful advocacy.