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 a school in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident warrant independent scrutiny.
Makinde made the call on Monday while receiving the rescued pupils and their teachers at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, saying the kidnapping raised serious concerns that should not be left to domestic institutions alone.
The governor described the incident as “grave and unusual,” stressing that an independent international investigation would help establish the truth and ensure accountability.
“I 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 added that the proposed investigation was not aimed at undermining Nigeria’s institutions but at strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
“Such scrutiny is intended to reinforce confidence, establish the truth and ensure that anyone found responsible, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, is held accountable,” he said.
Makinde noted that the responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and security agencies under the Constitution.
According to him, Nigerians deserve a comprehensive account of what transpired, including those behind the abduction, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion, and measures being put in place to prevent a recurrence.
“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,” he said.
The governor assured parents across Oyo State that his administration would continue to support lawful efforts aimed at strengthening security and protecting schools.
“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 added.
The Presidency had on Friday announced the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the victims were freed during a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
President Bola Tinubu commended the military, police and DSS for securing the release of the victims without collateral damage.
He also disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised during the operation.
Tinubu praised the Oyo State Government for collaborating with federal authorities throughout the rescue mission and urged the state to further strengthen security around schools to forestall future attacks.
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