Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, used his appearance at the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert on Wednesday to draw global attention to the plight of pupils and teachers recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The award-winning singer transformed his highly anticipated pre-tournament performance into a powerful advocacy platform, calling for urgent action to secure the release of the victims who remain in captivity.
Ahead of his performance, Davido was seen in a viral backstage video wearing a customised black leather jacket adorned with green circular badges bearing the names of the abducted students and teachers. The design served as a poignant tribute to the victims and a visual appeal for their safe return.
To highlight the gravity of the situation, the names of those still being held captive were inscribed in white lettering, while the names of those who reportedly lost their lives during the ordeal were written in red.
The singer paired the jacket with a white T-shirt emblazoned with the word “NIGERIA,” while the back of the jacket carried the bold inscription, “BRING THEM HOME.”
Speaking moments before taking the stage, Davido expressed his sympathy for the affected families and lamented the prolonged captivity of the victims.
“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 that the government hastens its intervention. My country is going through a lot, and we represent it everywhere we go.”
His gesture has since attracted widespread attention on social media, with many commending the singer for using his international platform to amplify calls for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
