Rarara to Davido: Taking Nigeria’s problems to the global stage is ‘an act of terrorism’

Popular Hausa musician, Dauda Adamu Kahutu, widely known as Rarara, has criticised Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over his recent advocacy for abducted schoolchildren, accusing the singer of projecting Nigeria’s security challenges to the international community.

Rarara’s remarks followed Davido’s appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown event, where he wore a jacket bearing the inscription, “Bring Them Home,” alongside the names of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Reacting in a video shared on his Facebook page, Rarara described Davido’s action as unpatriotic and alleged that it was politically motivated.

“I do not usually respond to issues like this, but what Davido did was barbaric. In my opinion, Davido and those who think like him are acting foolishly,” he said.

The musician questioned the rationale behind drawing international attention to the country’s insecurity challenges.

“How can you publicise terrorism and insecurity-related issues to the entire world? How can you take a sensitive national security matter and present it in a way that could damage Nigeria’s image? What exactly do you hope to gain from that?” he asked.

Rarara further criticised Davido for displaying the names of the abducted victims during an international event.

“Davido took the names of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, wrote them on the Nigerian flag and displayed it in America. What was the purpose? What did he hope to achieve? Or was it because he had turned the matter into politics?” he queried.

The singer also alleged that Davido’s actions were influenced by political considerations, referencing reports that the Afrobeats star’s uncle is contesting an election on the platform of the Accord Party.

“Is it because his uncle is contesting an election on the Accord Party platform while President Bola Tinubu belongs to the APC? Is that why insecurity must become a campaign tool? Anyone who campaigns with insecurity does not fully understand what it entails,” he said.

Drawing an analogy, Rarara argued that publicising the country’s challenges abroad was akin to exposing a family matter to outsiders.

“What Davido did is like removing your own mother’s wrapper, taking her photograph and displaying it abroad, only to ask people to help cover her again. What kind of thinking is that?” he added.

He maintained that security matters are delicate and should be handled with caution, stressing that members of the public may not have full knowledge of ongoing efforts by security agencies.

“Insecurity is not something people should casually jump into. There are facts and circumstances that ordinary citizens may not know. Before speaking on such matters, one should understand the situation properly,” he said.

According to Rarara, the abduction of the schoolchildren was linked to efforts by terrorists to pressure authorities into releasing arrested suspects.

“Some terrorists were arrested, and when attempts to secure their release failed, the kingpins resorted to kidnapping innocent people in an effort to force negotiations. The President and security agencies had vowed not to release the terrorists and promised to rescue the children.

“It was during this delicate period that Davido chose to spotlight the issue on a global stage,” he stated.

The musician further argued that many countries place restrictions on how sensitive security matters are discussed publicly, warning that some content creators may unintentionally amplify narratives that benefit criminal groups.

“You cannot go to China and promote issues the authorities do not want promoted. The same applies in many other countries. But some content creators continue to push narratives that, in my opinion, end up helping terrorists.

“Some may not understand the implications of their actions, while others do. Some are sponsored by politicians, while others are simply chasing engagement and followers,” he said.