Nigeria: Afrobeats star Davido at the center of an online controversy after the kidnapping of students

Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has become embroiled in an online controversy with a pro-government singer, popular in northern Nigeria, over the kidnapping of around 40 children in the south of the country a month ago.

This kidnapping, which took place in Oyo State, considered one of the safest regions in the country, shocked public opinion, causing demonstrations, a national teachers' strike and prompting some celebrities to speak out publicly about the deteriorating security situation in the country, where kidnappings for ransom are frequent.

At least 46 students and staff from three schools were abducted in this state on May 15 by armed men, in an attack the army attributed to Boko Haram jihadists.

Davido drew the world's attention to this event by wearing a jacket bearing the names of the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers who were kidnapped, during his performance at the World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles on June 10.

But singer Dauda Kahutu, known as Rarara - very popular among supporters of the ruling party, the Congress of Progressives, particularly in northern Nigeria - criticized Davido, saying that drawing attention to the kidnapping "could unintentionally complicate rescue efforts".

"What Davido did is heinous," Rarara said in Hausa, a language widely spoken in northern Nigeria, in a three-minute video posted on the social network X.

In a response also in Hausa, Davido retorted to Rarara: "I would have answered you if you had some education. But you know nothing."

In a further exchange, Davido accused Rarara of harming Nigeria by remaining silent on the insecurity "that is troubling the country" and trying to prevent others from expressing their concerns.

In June 2024, Rarara's 77-year-old mother was abducted from her home in Kahutu village, Katsina State (northwest), and held for 20 days before being released after a ransom was paid.

Rarara blamed the delay in rescuing his mother on an online post by Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and opposition presidential candidate, calling for her release.

According to a report by SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based consulting firm, kidnappings generated approximately $1.66 million in ransoms between July 2024 and June 2025.

AFP