Nollywood actor, Femi Branch has made an emotional appeal to Nigerian politicians of all affiliations to stop dragging innocent children into political disputes, following the release of 46 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Oriire area of Oyo State after 56 harrowing days in captivity.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, the veteran actor addressed the wave of political finger-pointing that had trailed the release, without directing his comments at any particular individual.

His remarks appeared to reference recent comments credited to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who had drawn attention to the timing between his declaration of presidential ambition and the abduction itself, a sequence some have read as suggestive of political motive behind the attack. Branch pushed back against turning the episode into a political talking point, arguing that the children, who he said were already contending with a struggling education system before their ordeal, deserved to be shielded from being used as instruments in anyone’s political battles.

The actor stressed that the freed victims, who spent nearly two months hidden away from their families, are likely dealing with deep trauma and should be prioritised for medical and psychological support rather than becoming a subject of partisan point-scoring.

His appeal has struck a chord with many Nigerians online, echoing a broader public sentiment that the safety and wellbeing of children should sit above political interests, regardless of who stands to gain or lose from the narrative surrounding their abduction.

Photo Credit: Instagram