Veteran Nollywood actor Femi Branch has appealed to Nigerian politicians to stop dragging innocent children into political conflicts, following the recent release of the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The actor made the emotional appeal in a video shared on his Instagram page on Saturday, expressing concern over the growing trend of mass school abductions across the country and the psychological impact such incidents have on young victims.
His remarks came a day after the release of the 46 abducted pupils and teachers, who regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School (Esiele) in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The abduction sparked nationwide outrage, with civil society groups, parents, celebrities and education advocates repeatedly calling on authorities to secure the victims’ release.
Reacting to developments surrounding the incident, Branch urged political leaders to ensure that children are never used as pawns in political disagreements.
“I just want to make an appeal and beg us in this country,” he said.
“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 lamented the conditions under which many Nigerian children are already growing up, arguing that they face enough challenges without becoming victims of political disputes.
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According to him, the country’s education system is already struggling, making the trauma of kidnapping even more devastating for young pupils.
“The children in this country are suffering enough,” he said.
“They are suffering enough. The so-called school they are going, the quality of the education and everything is scrambled; they are suffering enough.”
Branch described the victims’ ordeal as heartbreaking, noting that spending nearly two months in captivity would likely leave lasting emotional scars.
“Innocent children were in the bush for 56 days,” he said.
“Those kids must be traumatised by now and needed to be attended to.”
The actor also referred to comments made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde regarding the timing of the abduction.
Makinde had reportedly suggested that the kidnapping occurred shortly after he declared his intention to contest the presidency, implying that the incident could have been politically motivated.
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, Branch expressed concern that the tragedy was being viewed through a political lens rather than focusing on the welfare of the affected children.
“The governor came out and said he declared to be president at 4 p.m. and by 9 a.m. the next morning is when they packed the children and the teachers away, thereby insinuating that it was a political game,” he said.
Without directly accusing any individual or political group, the actor appealed for greater responsibility from leaders across the political divide.
“Can we just leave these poor children out of our dirty politics?” he pleaded.
“Please, I’m not attacking or calling out anybody. I’m just appealing to us to leave the innocent children out of our madness.”
Branch’s comments have resonated with many Nigerians on social media, where users praised the actor for speaking out on behalf of vulnerable children and calling attention to the psychological consequences of prolonged captivity.
Mental health experts have repeatedly warned that children who survive kidnapping often require extensive counselling and rehabilitation to recover from trauma, anxiety and emotional distress.
The release of the Oriire schoolchildren has been welcomed nationwide, but concerns remain over the growing insecurity affecting schools in several parts of Nigeria.
In recent years, repeated attacks on educational institutions have disrupted learning, forced school closures and heightened fears among parents and teachers.
For Branch, however, the conversation should extend beyond politics.
His appeal underscores the need for leaders to prioritise the safety, education and well-being of Nigerian children above political interests, reminding the nation that every child deserves to learn in a safe environment free from fear and violence.
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