LOS ANGELES — Nigerian superstar Davido used the global stage of the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert to spotlight a tragedy back home, performing in a custom-made jacket emblazoned with the words “Bring Them Home” and the names of 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Oyo State.
The incident occurred in May when armed men stormed schools in the Ahoro-Esinele community of Oriire Local Government Area, killing a school official and a motorcyclist during the raid. A teacher later died in captivity. The attack has fueled public concern over insecurity in Nigeria, and Davido’s gesture drew immediate attention.
Davido, one of Africa’s most celebrated artists known for hits like “Fall” and “If,” shared the stage in Los Angeles with international acts including Major Lazer. The concert is part of FIFA’s global countdown activities ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA has positioned the countdown concerts as cultural showcases, blending sport and music to build anticipation for the tournament.
The jacket, black leather with green circular badges, carried the victims’ names in white for those still in captivity and red for those confirmed dead. Davido later reshared a post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the outfit, describing it as a reminder that the victims should not be forgotten.
Reactions poured in across social media. Nigerian users praised him for “using his voice for the voiceless,” while others said the gesture was “a wake-up call to leaders who have failed to protect children.” Foreign fans expressed admiration for his courage, with one American concertgoer writing, “Davido turned a party into a protest, and it was powerful.”
Social commentators in Nigeria said the move underscored the role of artists in shaping public discourse. “This is not just entertainment; it is advocacy,” said analyst Chika Okoye. Women’s groups stressed that the abduction highlighted the vulnerability of children and teachers in rural communities. Policy makers in Edo and Oyo States echoed the urgency, with one security adviser noting, “We cannot allow fabricated distractions or silence to overshadow the fight against real criminal networks.”
Stakeholders in education and civil society urged authorities to act swiftly. “Every day those children remain in captivity is a stain on our collective conscience,” said a representative of the Civil Society Against Kidnapping.
Davido, who has previously spoken out on social issues, amplified calls for urgent action. His performance in Los Angeles ensured that the plight of the Oyo victims reached a global audience, blending artistry with activism in a way few entertainers manage.
