Veteran Nollywood actor Femi Branch has appealed to Nigerian politicians to keep children out of political disputes, following the release of schoolchildren and teachers who spent 56 days in captivity after being abducted in Oyo State.
Reacting in a video shared online, the actor said Nigerian children are already facing enormous challenges due to economic hardship and difficulties within the education system, stressing that they should never become casualties of political conflicts.
“I just want to beg us in this country. Whatever dirty politics we are all playing, whatever dirty games we’re doing, can we just leave these innocent children out of it? The children in this country are suffering enough,” he said.
Branch also called for immediate medical care and psychological support for the released victims, noting that they may continue to struggle with the emotional impact of their ordeal.
According to him, the children deserve proper rehabilitation after spending nearly two months in captivity.
The actor also questioned the timing of the abduction, referencing Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent political declaration, which has generated public discussion.
While acknowledging that the timing had fuelled speculation, Branch stressed that he was not accusing anyone of involvement in the incident.
Instead, he said his message was simply an appeal for children to be protected from the consequences of political rivalry.
“Those kids need to be attended to because they must be traumatized by now. Can we just leave these poor children out of our dirty politics? Please. I’m not attacking anybody. I’m just appealing to us. Can we just leave the innocent children out of our madness?” he added.
His comments have since sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians agreeing that children should never become victims of political disagreements or power struggles.
I just want to make an appeal, I just want to beg us in this country I’m not directing this to anybody I’m begging us all if us whatever dirty politics we are all playing, whatever dirty game we are playing in this country we can just leave these innocent children out of it, the… pic.twitter.com/3zBIz4cmae
— KOMISI HQ (@HEYBIDEMI) July 11, 2026
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