Nollywood actor Femi Branch has appealed to Nigerian political leaders to stop dragging the recently rescued pupils and teachers from Oyo State into political controversies.
The actor made the appeal following comments by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who stated during a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the abduction occurred just hours after he officially declared his intention to contest the presidency.
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, Branch urged politicians to refrain from using innocent children as part of political narratives, stressing that they had already endured enough hardship.
According to him, the rescued pupils and teachers deserve care and support rather than being caught in political disputes.
He said, “I want to make a sincere appeal to everyone in this country. This is not directed at any particular individual, but whatever political games are being played, please leave the innocent children out of them.
“Our children are already facing enormous challenges. The state of education and the conditions under which they learn are difficult enough. They should not become victims of political battles.
“These children spent 56 days in the bush. They have undoubtedly suffered severe trauma and should now be receiving care and attention.
“The governor said he declared his presidential ambition at 4 p.m., and by 9 a.m. the following day, the pupils and teachers were abducted, suggesting there may have been a political motive behind the incident.
“My appeal is simple: let us leave these innocent children out of our political disagreements. I am not attacking or accusing anyone. I am only asking that we stop involving children in our political struggles.”