Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international human rights bodies to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. He specifically asked for a UN probe into Oyo school abduction to ensure a thorough investigation. He also asked them to investigate the circumstances surrounding their release through a UN probe into Oyo school abduction.
In a video shared on X by Oyo Affairs, Makinde said the seriousness and unusual nature of the incident required independent scrutiny. Furthermore, this scrutiny should go beyond Nigeria’s institutions, and a UN probe into Oyo school abduction would help ensure independence.
Gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire on May 15. Security agencies later secured their release after 56 days in captivity through an intelligence-led operation. Notably, the call for a UN probe into Oyo school abduction has highlighted the need for international attention.
Makinde demands independent investigation
The governor said international scrutiny would not undermine Nigerian institutions. Instead, he argued that it would strengthen public confidence and help authorities establish the truth.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution,” Makinde said.
“I, therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the executive governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanism, including those within the United Nations, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.”
Makinde added that investigators must hold anyone responsible accountable, regardless of their position, influence or affiliation.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence, or affiliation, will be held accountable,” he said.
Governor seeks full security account
Makinde also stressed that the Constitution places responsibility for national security on the Federal Government. The security agencies under its control have this responsibility as well.
Therefore, he said Nigerians deserved a transparent explanation of the abduction and the people behind it. In addition, they deserved to know the events that led to the victims’ release.
“The Nigerian people, therefore, deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence, or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an abuse again,” he said.
The governor insisted that his demand did not arise from political considerations. Instead, he said the victims deserved justice, while Nigerians needed reassurance that children could attend school safely.
“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,” Makinde added.
The military said several security agencies and local security groups took part in the rescue operation. Authorities also arrested several suspects while continuing efforts to dismantle the network behind the abduction. Accordingly, the outcome of any UN probe into Oyo school abduction could shape future security policy.
