“There’s no image to protect if kids are being kidnapped” – Davido explains World Cup tribute to Oyo kidnap victims
Afrobeat singer Davido has explained why he chose to honour victims of the Oyo school kidnapping during his performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC News Africa, the award-winning superstar said he could not ignore the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers.
According to Davido, many people prefer to remain silent in a bid to protect the country’s image, but he believes there is no image worth protecting when innocent children are being kidnapped.
“A lot of people don’t really want to talk about what is going on in my country. They want to protect the image, but there’s no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped,” he said.
The “With You” crooner said performing at the World Cup was a huge honour, but he felt it was equally important to use the global stage to draw attention to the plight of the victims back home.
He added that music and live performances remain his most powerful tools for speaking out on issues affecting Nigerians.
“We have the power to let the world know through our own means. My power is in music and performances. These students and teachers have been missing and still not found, so I used my platform to project what’s really going on,” he added.
It will be recalled that during the opening ceremony, Davido wore a customised jacket bearing the names of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State, alongside the message, “Bring Them Home,” in a symbolic call for their safe return.
His remarks and tribute have drawn praise from many Nigerians, with several commending him for using his international platform to amplify the plight of the victims rather than remaining silent.
Watch the video below…
“There’s no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped.”
Afrobeats star Davido tells Focus on Africa’s Waihiga Mwaura why he wore pins bearing the names of 39 abducted children and seven teachers during his 2026 World Cup performance. pic.twitter.com/LgRnsTg3Vd
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) July 5, 2026
