Nollywood actor Femi Branch has appealed to Nigerian political leaders to stop dragging children into political disagreements, following the release of pupils and teachers abducted from an Orire school in Oyo State.
Branch made the appeal in a video posted on his Instagram page on Saturday, reacting to the continued wave of school abductions across the country and the recent freedom of the 46 victims who spent 56 days in captivity before regaining their freedom on Friday, July 10, 2026.
In the video, the actor expressed concern over what he described as the politicisation of the kidnapping, saying innocent children should never become casualties of political rivalry.
He lamented the challenges already facing Nigerian children, including concerns about the country’s education system, and said the abducted pupils would likely require psychological support after their prolonged ordeal.
Branch also referred to comments made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde after the victims’ release. According to the actor, the governor suggested that the abduction occurred shortly after he declared his presidential ambition, implying that the incident may have been politically motivated.
While stressing that he was not attacking any individual, Branch urged political actors to set aside their differences where children are concerned.
“I am appealing to everyone to leave innocent children out of whatever political games are being played,” he said, adding that the welfare and recovery of the rescued pupils should take precedence over political arguments.
The appeal comes amid ongoing concerns over insecurity and repeated attacks on schools in different parts of Nigeria, incidents that have continued to raise fears over the safety of students and teachers nationwide.
