Davido, Rarara clash over Nigeria’s insecurity

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has fired back at Hausa singer Dauda Rarara over criticism of his campaign highlighting the plight of abducted schoolchildren in Nigeria.

The exchange followed Davido’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles, where he wore a customised jacket bearing the inscription “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Rarara had condemned the move, describing it as “barbaric” and accusing the singer of projecting Nigeria’s insecurity challenges to the international community in a manner that could damage the country’s image.

The singer also questioned Davido’s motives, suggesting the action could have been politically motivated.

Responding on social media, Davido initially mocked Rarara’s comments before escalating the exchange with a strongly worded response in Hausa.

In a follow-up statement later translated into English, the award-winning musician insisted that Nigerians must not remain silent in the face of insecurity.

“Every Nigerian should not stay silent about the insecurity plaguing the nation, nor should they prevent others from voicing their concerns openly,” Davido said.

He argued that patriotism requires citizens to speak up against issues affecting the country regardless of political affiliations.

According to him, putting personal or political interests ahead of the welfare of citizens does more harm than good.

“Showing bias and prioritising personal or political interests, and putting personal desires above the community’s goals, is nothing to be proud of,” he said.

“Be a patriot for your country, stop prioritising politics over the truth, and fear God in everything you do.”

The singer’s comments came after Rarara criticised the display of the names of abducted pupils on a jacket worn during the World Cup event, arguing that sensitive security matters should not be projected on a global stage.

Davido, however, maintained that speaking out about insecurity and the plight of victims was a patriotic duty and should not be politicised.

The exchange has since generated intense reactions on social media, with supporters of both entertainers weighing in on the debate over insecurity, patriotism and freedom of expression.