Oyo Abduction: Rarara Blasts Davido Over Global “Bring Them Home” Campaign

Oyo Abduction: Rarara Blasts Davido Over Global “Bring Them Home” Campaign

Hausa praise singer Dauda Adamu Kahutu Rarara has criticised Afrobeats star Davido, accusing him of portraying Nigeria negatively on the global stage after drawing international attention to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

The controversy stems from Davido’s appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert, where he wore a customised jacket inscribed with “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of abducted pupils and teachers from Oyo State. The gesture was widely shared online and sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political and entertainment space.

According to reports, gunmen had attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, triggering nationwide concern over worsening insecurity and renewed calls for government intervention.

Reacting in a video posted on his verified Facebook page, Rarara condemned Davido’s action, describing it as “harmful to Nigeria’s image” and inappropriate for a global platform.

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He argued that sensitive national security issues should not be displayed internationally in a manner that could, in his view, damage the country’s reputation.

“I do not usually react to issues like this, but what Davido did was barbaric… How can you promote insecurity-related issues to the whole world?” Rarara said, adding that the move was unnecessary and politically charged.

He also alleged that Davido’s action may have been influenced by political considerations, claiming it was linked to his uncle’s political ambition in Osun State under the Accord Party, though no evidence was provided for the claim.

Rarara further maintained that insecurity should be handled with caution, arguing that public commentary on ongoing security operations could interfere with rescue efforts or negotiations with armed groups.

He claimed, without verification, that the abduction occurred in the context of broader counter-terrorism operations and insisted that “publicity could complicate security responses.”

The singer also criticised what he described as the growing trend of social media activism around insecurity, warning that some online narratives may unintentionally aid criminal groups or distort security operations.

“You cannot go to China or other countries and promote issues the authorities do not want promoted,” he said, insisting that national security matters require discretion.

Davido responded briefly on X (formerly Twitter) by quoting Rarara’s comments and writing “Debidooo,” a phrase widely interpreted as mocking the Hausa pronunciation of his name.

Rarara later replied with a Hausa expression widely interpreted as insulting, escalating the exchange into a public war of words between both entertainers.

Davido also fired back in another post, stating in Hausa: “If only you had knowledge, I would have stopped to speak with you. But you know nothing,” further intensifying the online exchange.

The controversy has since attracted wider commentary from political and public figures, including Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, who previously argued that excessive international attention on terrorist incidents could complicate rescue efforts and benefit perpetrators.

The debate continues to trend on social media, reflecting deeper divisions over celebrity activism, national security messaging, and the role of public figures in highlighting humanitarian crises.

Oyo Abduction: Rarara Blasts Davido Over Global “Bring Them Home” Campaign