Nollywood actor Femi Branch has appealed to Nigerians to keep innocent children out of political battles and public speculation following the release of pupils and staff abducted in Oyo State. In a video shared on social media, Branch stressed that children should not become victims of political disputes or other interests, and that their welfare must come first.
Branch's emotional appeal to keep children out of politics
“I just want to make an appeal. I'm not directing this to anybody. I'm begging all of us in this country that whatever dirty politics we are all playing, whatever dirty games we are doing in this country, can we just leave these innocent children out of it?” Branch said in the video.
He lamented the difficult conditions many children already face, saying they should not have to endure the trauma of captivity. “The children in this country are suffering enough. They are suffering enough. The so-called schools that they are going to and the quality of education and everything is crap. Can we just leave them out of it?” he added.
57 days in captivity: need for psychological support
Referring to the Oyo schoolchildren, Branch noted that they had spent nearly two months in captivity and would require psychological support to recover. “Fifty-seven days, or is it 55 days, innocent children were in the bush. Those kids need to be attended to because those kids must be traumatised by now. They need to be attended to. They need to be taken care of,” he said.
Branch also referenced comments made after the children's release, including remarks by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who questioned the timing of their freedom and suggested it could have political undertones. The actor maintained that he was not accusing anyone and urged all parties to keep children out of political disagreements. “I'm not attacking anybody. I'm just appealing to us,” he added.
Release sparks public reactions and political debate
The pupils and staff regained their freedom after about 57 days in captivity, bringing relief to their families and the public. Their release sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the circumstances of the kidnapping and rescue, while others called for greater attention to the children's recovery.
The Oyo State Government said the children would receive medical attention, counselling and psychosocial support. The incident has renewed calls for improved security around schools and stronger measures to protect students from abductions.
