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 Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Makinde made the call on Monday in Ibadan after receiving the rescued pupils and teachers at his office.
The victims were abducted on May 15 and spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued by security agencies.
The governor said the circumstances surrounding the abduction were too serious and unusual to be left without independent scrutiny.
“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 explained that the call for international scrutiny was not intended to weaken Nigerian institutions, but to ensure truth, accountability and public confidence.
“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 said.
Makinde said Nigerians deserve a full and transparent account of the abduction, including those responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion, and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.
He noted that under the Nigerian Constitution, responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its control.
The governor insisted that the issue should not be reduced to politics, stressing that the focus must be on justice for the victims and reassurance for parents and communities.
“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 said.
He assured parents across Oyo State that his administration had heard their concerns and would continue to take lawful steps to make schools and communities safer.
“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.
“As the government of Oyo State, we will continue to support every lawful effort that strengthens our security architecture, protects our people, and brings every person responsible for this tragedy to justice,” he added.
The Federal Government had earlier announced the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after more than 50 days in captivity.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the victims were freed by security agencies. Reports said the operation involved the Nigerian Army, the police and intelligence support from the Department of State Services.
President Bola Tinubu also commended the military, the DSS and the police for working round the clock for 56 days to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers without collateral damage.
Tinubu said the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while others were neutralised.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
The President also praised the Oyo State Government for cooperating with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools.
The victims were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. Earlier reports said 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack, with the incident triggering protests, fear among parents and calls for urgent government action.
The rescued pupils and teachers were taken for medical treatment and psychosocial support before being formally received by the Oyo State Government.
Makinde’s call for a UN-backed inquiry is expected to deepen public discussion around the abduction, the rescue operation, school safety and accountability for those responsible.
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