Rarara: My Mother’s Ordeal Worsened After Atiku’s Post, Says Singer

Hausa praise singer Dauda Adamu Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara, has advised public figures to be cautious when commenting on insecurity issues, saying some public reactions can unintentionally affect rescue operations.

Rarara made the statement while criticising Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over his recent performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert.

During the performance, Davido wore a jacket with the words “Bring Them Home” and the names of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State. The gesture was aimed at drawing international attention to the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers who were kidnapped after gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

Rarara said that highlighting kidnapping cases publicly could sometimes attract more criminal groups and complicate rescue efforts.

Speaking from his personal experience, he recalled the abduction of his mother, claiming that a social media statement by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar worsened the situation.

According to him, the kidnappers were already under pressure before the matter gained wider attention, but after the public statement, more organised criminal elements became involved and moved his mother deeper into the forest. He said she was eventually rescued after about 11 days.

Rarara said people who want to help should communicate with security agencies and relevant authorities instead of making public comments that may affect operations.

He also criticised some content creators who frequently discuss insecurity, accusing some of using the issue for popularity and engagement.

However, activist and commentator Mahdi Shehu criticised Rarara’s position, saying his recent actions showed insensitivity toward victims of insecurity.

Shehu defended Davido’s action, saying the singer used a global platform to draw attention to the suffering of abducted children in Nigeria.

He argued that raising awareness about insecurity was important and said he would choose Davido’s approach over Rarara’s.

The issue has sparked reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting Rarara’s argument that publicity can affect rescue missions, while others accused him of diverting attention from the country’s security challenges.

Some critics also questioned Rarara’s past political activities, while his supporters maintained that public figures should handle security matters responsibly.

Rarara said his recent engagement with lawmakers was aimed at understanding the security and development challenges affecting Northern Nigeria, adding that public figures should avoid politicising insecurity.

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