Popular Nigerian actor Femi Branch has passionately pleaded with politicians and citizens to shield innocent children from the dirty games of politics following the dramatic rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers after 56 harrowing days in captivity.
In an emotional video that quickly went viral on Saturday, July 11, 2026, just a day after the victims regained freedom, Femi poured out his heart over the trauma the young ones endured and the politicisation of their ordeal.
“I want to beg us in this country that whatever dirty politics we are playing, can we just leave these innocent children out of it? The children in this country are suffering enough,” he stated with visible frustration and concern.
Femi highlighted the poor quality of education even in regular schools and urged leaders to prioritise the children’s recovery:
“Innocent children were in the bush for 55 days. They need to be taken good care of because of the trauma of that experience.”
He specifically called out comments linking the abduction to politics:
“The governor [Seyi Makinde] came out to say those kids were picked just hours after he declared to run for the presidency. Thereby insinuating that it was political. Please, let’s leave the children out of our madness that we call politics! Please!”
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, seizing dozens of pupils and teachers. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was tragically killed during the ordeal. Security agencies, working tirelessly, secured the release of all remaining victims on July 10 without ransom payment in a major relief for families and the nation.
Read Thank You Mr President — Freed Oyo Pupils, Teachers Celebrate Rescue
Governor Seyi Makinde welcomed the development as a “big relief” and praised the joint efforts of security forces. However, the timing and statements around the incident have fueled heated debates, with many accusing politicians of playing politics with children’s lives.
Femi’s passionate appeal has resonated widely, reigniting conversations about protecting the vulnerable amid Nigeria’s security challenges and the toxic mix of politics with human suffering.