David Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, has pushed back against criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s government over heightened insecurity in the country, saying that God will rescue the abducted schoolchildren in captivity.

Mr Umahi, in a viral video seen on social media on Friday, berated Nigerians for politicising and weaponising insecurity and insulting Mr Tinubu as if insecurity started under his administration.

“What is in national discuss now is the issue of security and insecurity. When people talk about insecurity, especially extreme politicians, and insult the President as if insecurity just started within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is very unfortunate,” Mr Umahi said.

The minister wondered why insecurity heightens in the country in the run-up to elections, adding that prayers should be intensified for the release of the abducted schoolchildren.

“Security is the job of everyone. Security should not be politicised. Why is it that anytime we are approaching elections, there is heightened insecurity? It is very unfair. Anyone who takes the life of another person under any guise, God is watching,” Mr Umahi said.

He added, “We will continue to pray for all our children, who are in captivity. God sees them, wherever they are hidding. Their hands will be losen by God. And they will return.”

Mr Umahi’s statement comes amid public outrage and criticism of Mr Tinubu over the abduction of 46 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State on May 15.

For more than 20 days, the abductees have remained in captivity, sparking protests across major cities in the country, including Lagos, Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Abeokuta, Bayelsa and Plateau.

Nigerian music stars Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, Ayra Starr, and rapper Odumodublvck will fly the country’s flag at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as FIFA unveiled the official World Cup soundtrack album.

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Despite the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Nigerian artistes are among the headline acts featured on the star-studded 18-track FIFA World Cup 2026 album released ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Their inclusion further highlights the growing global dominance of Afrobeats and Nigeria’s cultural influence on the international entertainment scene.

Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy teams up with Colombian superstar Shakira on the lead anthem titled “Dai Dai,” one of the flagship songs expected to dominate the tournament’s celebrations.

Davido also secured a major spot on the project with “No Place Like Home,” a collaboration featuring international music group Major Lazer and Canadian singer Nelly Furtado.

Rema, one of Africa’s fastest-rising global stars, appears on the song “Goals” alongside BLACKPINK member LISA and Brazilian singer Anitta, while Ayra Starr joins American rapper Latto on the track “Show Me.”

Indigenous Nigerian hip-hop star Odumodublvck also earned recognition on the album through a special collaborative song featuring Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, Justin Quiles, and Lenny Tavárez.

Beyond the official album, Nigerian artists are also expected to play active roles during the tournament festivities.

Reports indicate that Rema will perform during the opening ceremony events, while Davido is scheduled to appear at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The strong Nigerian representation on the FIFA World Cup soundtrack comes as another major boost for Afrobeats, which has continued to gain worldwide acceptance through collaborations with international stars and appearances on major global platforms.

Although Nigeria’s national football team will miss out on the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s music industry will still enjoy a prominent spotlight on football’s biggest stage.