Afrobeats superstar Davido has explained why he turned one of football’s biggest global events into a platform for activism, saying he could not stay silent while dozens of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers remain in captivity in Nigeria.
During his performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on June 10, the singer wore a custom-made jacket bearing the names of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, alongside the message “Bring Them Home.”
The symbolic gesture immediately drew international attention to the May 15 attack, in which gunmen kidnapped 46 people, mostly primary school pupils, and killed two teachers. More than 50 days later, many of the victims remain missing despite ongoing rescue efforts.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Davido defended his decision to spotlight the tragedy on a global stage.
“A lot of people don’t really want to talk about what goes on in my country because they want to protect the image. But there is no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped,” he said.
The award-winning artist said entertainers have a responsibility to use their influence for causes that matter, adding that his music and performances provide a powerful platform to amplify issues affecting Nigerians. His comments have reignited calls for authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.
Davido’s advocacy has been widely praised by fans, civil society groups and public figures, including Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, who commended him for using a worldwide audience to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis rather than remaining silent. The singer’s message has also renewed conversations about school security and the persistent threat of kidnappings across parts of Nigeria.
As pressure mounts on security agencies, the #BringThemHome campaign continues to gain momentum, with supporters urging that the missing pupils and teachers are not forgotten until they are safely reunited with their families.
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