Davido Performs at World Cup Countdown, Calls for Release of Oyo Abducted Children on Global Stage

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido used his performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles to draw global attention to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State.

The singer took the stage at the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, June 10, wearing a custom-made black leather jacket bearing the names of the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from Community High School in Oriire Local Government Area.

The jacket featured green circular badges with the victims’ names and carried the bold message “Bring Them Home” prominently on the back.

According to campaign organisers, the names of those still in captivity were written in white, while the names of victims who lost their lives were inscribed in red.

Moments before stepping on stage, Davido expressed his sorrow over the situation and pleaded with authorities to intensify rescue efforts.

“Peace and love everywhere. May God be with the families of the abducted and the ones who have been killed,” Davido said.

“They still haven’t been rescued; we’re praying to God every day. We’re also praying to God that the government hastens action. My country is going through a lot. We represent everywhere we go.”

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers stormed the school in the Ahoro-Esinele community. The attack also claimed the lives of school officials and a motorcyclist.

The concert, organised by FIFA in partnership with the Recording Academy, marked the final countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Davido performed his hit song ‘Fall’ alongside Major Lazer, Ava Max and BIA as part of a synchronised broadcast linking audiences in Los Angeles, Toronto and Mexico City.

The appearance made him the first African artist to perform at two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, further cementing his status as a global ambassador for Nigerian music and social causes.

Reactions online have been largely supportive, with many praising the singer for using his international platform to amplify a humanitarian message beyond entertainment.

The #BringThemHome campaign continues to call for intensified efforts to secure the release of those still being held and reunite them with their families.