‘Apologise to Oriire Kidnap Victims, Withdraw Your Call for Probe,’ Nigeria's UN Representative Jimoh Ibrahim Tells Makinde

Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to apologise to the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, saying such a gesture would demonstrate empathy and responsible leadership.

Ibrahim, who also serves as Nigeria's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and chairs the UN Fifth Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Matters, made the call while reacting to reports that Governor Makinde had urged the United Nations to investigate the abduction of the pupils.

In a statement issued by his media office in New York, Ibrahim congratulated the rescued victims and their families, expressing relief over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers after weeks in captivity.

However, he argued that Makinde's immediate focus should be on the welfare, rehabilitation and support of the victims rather than seeking international intervention.

According to Ibrahim, the United Nations has no mandate to investigate domestic security incidents in member states.

"The United Nations does not interfere in the internal affairs of its member states. It is not an institution established to investigate domestic security incidents. Security within a country's territory remains the primary responsibility of the government at all levels," he said.

The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs urged the governor to publicly identify with the victims by apologising for the security failure that resulted in their abduction.

"The first duty of government is to protect lives and property. When that responsibility is challenged, leaders should identify with the victims, express genuine sympathy, and provide the support necessary for their recovery," Ibrahim stated.

He also appealed to the Oyo State Government to provide adequate support for the affected families, especially the children of any teachers who may have lost their lives during the ordeal.

Ibrahim further suggested that if the state required additional resources to cater for the victims and their families, it should seek support from Nigerians.

"If Oyo State requires additional financial support to care for these children and the families affected, the governor should make the need known. Nigerians are compassionate people and will readily support initiatives aimed at giving the victims a better future," he said.

The diplomat also urged state governments across Nigeria to strengthen school security by investing in protective measures, improving collaboration with security agencies and ensuring educational institutions remain safe for pupils and teachers.