Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from government-owned schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as one that warrants independent global scrutiny.
Speaking on Monday after receiving the rescued pupils and teachers at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde said the May 15 abduction raised serious concerns that should be examined beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
According to the governor, the nature and circumstances of the incident are “sufficiently grave and unusual” to justify an independent investigation by international accountability bodies.
“I, therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights organisations and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution,” Makinde said.
He stressed that such an investigation should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in Nigerian institutions but rather as a step towards establishing the truth and ensuring justice.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions; rather, it is intended to reinforce confidence, that truth be established, and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence, or affiliation, would be held accountable,” he added.
Makinde noted that responsibility for national security lies with the federal government and the security agencies under its control, as provided by the Nigerian Constitution.
He said Nigerians deserve a transparent account of the abduction, including those who were responsible, whether there were failures, negligence or collusion within any institution, and the measures being implemented to prevent similar incidents.
“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear,” the governor said.
Addressing parents across Oyo State, Makinde assured them that his administration remains committed to strengthening security in schools and communities.
“To every parent across Oyo State, let me assure you that your government has heard your fears and will not relent until every lawful step has been taken to make our schools and communities safer for our children,” he said.
He added that the state government would continue supporting all lawful efforts aimed at improving security and ensuring that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
The governor’s remarks came days after the federal government announced the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers following 56 days in captivity.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed on Friday that security operatives secured the victims’ release during a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and intelligence support from the Department of State Services (DSS).
President Bola Tinubu subsequently commended the military, the DSS and the police for rescuing the victims without collateral damage, while confirming that eight suspected abductors had been arrested and others neutralised during the operation.
The president also praised the Oyo State government for its collaboration with federal authorities throughout the rescue mission and urged the state to strengthen security around educational institutions to prevent future attacks.
