Davido Uses World Cup Countdown Concert to Demand Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils
Afrobeats star Davido has used the global stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert to call for urgent action over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
The singer made the appeal during his performance in the United States on Wednesday, where he wore a specially designed outfit aimed at drawing attention to the plight of victims kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
A backstage video that later went viral showed Davido wearing a white T-shirt with the inscription “NIGERIA” beneath a black leather jacket bearing the message “BRING THEM HOME” across the back.
The jacket was also adorned with green circular buttons carrying the names of the abducted victims.
According to reports, the names of those still in captivity were written in white, while those who reportedly lost their lives were marked in red.
By using one of football’s biggest global events as a platform, the singer sought to draw international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges and the plight of kidnapping victims.
Speaking shortly before going on stage, Davido expressed sympathy for the affected families and urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“Peace and love everywhere. May God be with the families of the abducted and the ones who have been killed,” he said.
“They still haven’t been rescued; we’re praying to God every day. We’re also praying to God that the government hastens, and you know… My country is going through a lot. We represent everywhere we go.”
