‘Stop playing dirty politics with children’s lives’ – Femi Branch over Makinde’s remarks

Nollywood Actor Appeals to Politicians to Prioritize Children’s Safety

Nollywood actor Femi Branch has called on Nigerian politicians to refrain from using children’s lives for political gain. His remarks come in light of ongoing mass abductions of schoolchildren across the country, including the recent release of 46 students and teachers kidnapped from Orire School in Oyo State.

In a video posted on his Instagram account Saturday morning, Branch expressed his concerns following the release of the Orire victims on July 10, 2026, after they had spent 56 days in captivity.

The actor reacted to comments made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde regarding the incident, criticizing the tendency to politicize such tragedies. He urged officials to separate political ambitions from the welfare of children.

“I appeal to us all: whatever political games we’re playing, let’s leave innocent children out of it,” Branch stated. “The children in this country are suffering enough. The quality of education and their overall conditions have deteriorated. They deserve better than to be used in our political strategies.”

He pointed out that the trauma experienced by the abducted children must be addressed, emphasizing the urgency of their emotional and psychological needs. Branch noted the timing of the governor’s announcement about his presidential aspirations and the subsequent rescue operations, suggesting a troubling link that warranted scrutiny.

“These are innocent children who have faced unimaginable fear and trauma. Please, let’s prioritize their well-being over political interests,” he added.

For more on Branch’s message, you can view the video here.

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