Makinde Seeks UN Probe Into Oyo School Abduction, Demands Full Account of 56-Day Ordeal

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for an independent international review of the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, urging the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and its resolution.

The governor made the call on Monday in a statewide broadcast, hours after the Nigerian Army formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the Oyo State Government following their release after 56 days in captivity.

While expressing gratitude for the successful rescue of the victims, Makinde said their return should not mark the end of public inquiry into the incident but rather the beginning of a determined effort to establish the truth and ensure accountability.

"The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility, our collective responsibility to establish the truth," the governor said.

Makinde argued that the nature of the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the victims prolonged captivity were serious enough to warrant scrutiny beyond Nigeria's domestic institutions.

He appealed to international accountability mechanisms, including agencies within the United Nations system, to independently examine the facts surrounding the attack and the events leading to the victims eventual rescue.

"The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions," he 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 mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution."

The governor stressed that inviting international scrutiny was not intended to discredit Nigeria's institutions but to reinforce confidence in the country's commitment to justice and accountability.

"Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. 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."

Makinde noted that under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, responsibility for national security rests primarily with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its command.

He said Nigerians deserve a comprehensive explanation of how dozens of schoolchildren and teachers remained in captivity for 56 days and whether there were failures within the nation's security architecture.

"The Nigerian people 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 ordeal again," he said.

The governor insisted that his demand was driven by the need for justice and lasting reforms rather than political considerations.

"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 also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the kidnapping and rescue efforts.

He honoured teachers Joel Adesiyan, John-Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun, whose deaths during captivity shocked the nation as well as soldiers, Amotekun operatives and local hunters who were killed while participating in efforts to rescue the victims.

According to the governor, their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

While celebrating the rescue, Makinde warned that the security threat had not completely disappeared.

He said criminal groups often attempt to exploit perceived weaknesses and could target vulnerable communities again if decisive preventive measures are not implemented.

The governor therefore announced plans to strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, which investigators believe served as a hideout for the abductors.

Although national parks fall under the control of the Federal Government, he said the Oyo State Government would tighten surveillance on access routes into and out of the park, deepen intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local communities and introduce additional measures to prevent criminal groups from using the area as a safe haven.

Makinde added that detailed implementation plans would be unveiled in the coming days.

He also urged residents across the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical in preventing future attacks.

"Security is everyone's responsibility," the governor said, encouraging citizens to make full use of the state's emergency response channels whenever necessary.

The rescued pupils and teachers were officially handed over to the Oyo State Government by the Nigerian Army on Monday after undergoing 48 hours of medical observation, psychological evaluation and psychosocial support at the Headquarters, 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, following their rescue after spending 56 days in captivity.