Oyo governor says circumstances surrounding the 56-day abduction of teachers and pupils warrant independent international scrutiny to uncover the truth and prevent a recurrence….
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for an independent international investigation into the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the incident raises serious concerns that should not be left to domestic institutions alone.
Speaking on Monday after receiving the rescued victims at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde urged the United Nations and other international human rights bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the May 15 kidnapping and the events that followed.
According to the governor, the nature of the incident and the issues surrounding its resolution make it deserving of 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 stressed that the request for an international investigation should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s institutions but as a step toward strengthening public trust through transparency and accountability.
“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 rests with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its control, as provided by the Nigerian Constitution.
He said Nigerians deserve clear answers about what transpired during the abduction, including the identity of those responsible, whether there were institutional lapses, negligence or collusion, and the measures being put in place to prevent similar attacks.
“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 the state, Makinde assured them that his administration would continue to work towards improving 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 also pledged the state’s continued support for every lawful initiative aimed at strengthening security and ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
The appeal comes days after the Presidency confirmed the successful rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils, who had spent 56 days in captivity.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced on Friday that the victims regained their freedom following coordinated operations by security agencies.
According to the Presidency, the rescue was carried out through a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), leading to the rescue of the victims, the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, and the killing of several others.
President Bola Tinubu commended the military, police and intelligence agencies for securing the release of the victims without collateral damage after nearly two months in captivity.
The President also praised the Oyo State Government for its collaboration throughout the rescue operation while urging the state to strengthen security measures around schools to prevent future attacks.
