LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nollywood actor Femi Branch has appealed to Nigerian leaders to stop involving children in political disputes, expressing concern over the trauma faced by abducted schoolchildren after their 56-day captivity in Oyo State.
The actor’s appeal came following the release of 46 schoolchildren and teachers who were kidnapped in Orire, Oyo State, and rescued on Friday, July 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.
Reacting to comments made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde about the incident, Branch urged political leaders to put aside their differences and focus on protecting children.
“I just want to make an appeal and beg us in this country. I’m not directing this to anybody but I’m begging all of us that whatever dirty politics that we’re all playing, can we just leave the innocent children out of it,” the actor said.
Branch expressed concern that Nigerian children are already facing challenges in the education system and should not be exposed to further trauma caused by insecurity.
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“The children in this country are suffering enough. The so-called school they are going, the quality of the education, and everything is scrambled, they are suffering enough,” he added.
The actor explained that the experience of spending nearly two months in captivity could have lasting emotional effects on the rescued pupils, stressing the need for proper care and support.
“Innocent children were in the bush for 56 days. Those kids must be traumatized by now and needed to be attended to,” Branch added.
Branch also referenced Governor Makinde’s comments about the timing of the abduction, where the governor reportedly linked the incident to political developments, and urged leaders to avoid turning children’s safety into a political debate.
“Can we just leave these poor children out of our dirty politics? Please, I’m not attacking or calling out anybody, I’m just appealing to us to leave the innocent children out of our madness,” he stated.
