Following the long-awaited release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, veteran Nollywood actor Femi Branch has spoken out, sending a passionate and emotional message to the nation’s political class. The victims, who spent a harrowing 56 days in captivity, were finally freed, sparking widespread relief across the country but also raising serious questions about the safety of young citizens.
An Emotional Appeal for Nigeria’s Children
In a video message that has rapidly gone viral, a visibly concerned Femi Branch lamented the current state of the nation, pointing out that Nigerian children are already bearing the brunt of economic hardship and a struggling education system. He argued that subjecting them to the trauma of political warfare is completely unacceptable.
“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,” the actor pleaded.
Questions Surrounding the Timing of the Abduction
Branch did not hold back in questioning the circumstances surrounding the mass kidnapping. He highlighted the suspicious timing of the abduction, which occurred shortly after Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde made his public declaration for a presidential bid. While the actor clarified that he was not pointing fingers or directly accusing any specific individual, he noted that the sequence of events has inevitably fueled public skepticism and speculation.
“Those kids need to be attended to because they must be traumatized by now,” Branch added. “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?”
Urgent Need for Rehabilitation and Support
Beyond his political appeal, the Nollywood star stressed that the immediate priority must be the welfare of the freed victims. Having spent nearly two months in captivity, the children and their teachers require urgent, comprehensive medical evaluations and intensive psychological counseling to cope with the deep trauma of their ordeal.
His remarks have resonated deeply with Nigerians on social media, sparking intense conversations online. Many commentators have echoed his sentiments, demanding that the safety of vulnerable children be prioritized far above any political ambitions and power struggles.