Nollywood actor Femi Branch has made an emotional appeal to Nigerian political leaders following the release of 46 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, urging them to stop using innocent children as pawns in political conflicts. The respected actor shared his thoughts in a video posted on his Instagram page on Saturday, shortly after the victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
Femi Branch Reacts to Oyo School Abduction
The abduction involved pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who were kidnapped and held captive for 56 days before being released on Friday, July 10, 2026. Reacting to the development, Femi Branch expressed sadness over the trauma the children may have experienced during their time in captivity. According to him, Nigerian children are already facing enormous challenges, making it even more painful to imagine what they endured in the forest.
"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," he said. The actor argued that many Nigerian children are already struggling with poor educational facilities and other societal challenges, questioning why they should also become victims of political disputes.
"The children in this country are suffering enough. The so-called schools they are going to, the quality of education, and everything is scrambled. They are suffering enough," he stated. Femi Branch added that spending 56 days in the bush could have severe emotional and psychological consequences for the rescued pupils.
Emotional and Psychological Impact on Children
Femi Branch highlighted the trauma the children endured, stating, "Innocent children were in the bush for 56 days. Those kids must be traumatized by now and needed to be attended to." He lamented that the children's ordeal could leave lasting scars, emphasizing the need for psychological support. The actor also referenced comments made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde regarding the timing of the abduction. According to Branch, the governor suggested that the incident occurred shortly after he declared his intention to contest the presidency, implying that politics may have played a role.
Without accusing any individual directly, Branch appealed to politicians across the country to leave children out of political disagreements. "I'm just appealing to us to leave the innocent children out of our madness, please," he concluded. The video of his appeal has since garnered widespread attention on social media, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments.
Broader Context of Insecurity in Nigeria
The abduction in Oyo State is part of a troubling trend of school kidnappings in Nigeria, where armed groups target educational institutions for ransom or political leverage. According to data from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), over 1,000 children have been abducted in school-related attacks in Nigeria since 2020. The 56-day captivity of the Oyo pupils and teachers underscores the growing security challenges facing the country, particularly in rural areas.
The rescue operation, which involved security agencies and local authorities, was met with relief but also calls for stronger measures to protect schools. Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the release and thanked security forces for their efforts, but the incident has reignited debates about the politicization of insecurity. Femi Branch's appeal reflects a broader frustration among Nigerians who feel that children are being sacrificed in political power struggles.
Public Reaction and Calls for Action
The actor's emotional plea has resonated with many Nigerians, including fellow celebrities and civil society groups. On social media, users have called on the government to prioritize child safety and ensure that perpetrators of such abductions are brought to justice. Some have also urged political leaders to refrain from using tragic events for political gain. Femi Branch's message serves as a reminder of the human cost of political conflicts, especially on the most vulnerable members of society.
As the rescued children and teachers begin their recovery, attention is turning to the need for psychological counseling and support services. Experts warn that prolonged captivity can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. The government has pledged to provide assistance, but many Nigerians remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such promises given the country's limited mental health infrastructure.
