Makinde Was Not Insane or Seeking Attention for Casting Doubts on ‘So-Called’ Oyo Rescue Operation — Okechukwu

Prominent social commentator and Pan-Africanist activist, Joseph Okechukwu, has defended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against criticism over his doubts about the official account of the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

Okechukwu said Makinde’s skepticism was justified and not driven by insanity or a desire for attention, following testimony from one of the freed teachers that appeared to contradict the Federal Government’s account of a coordinated military rescue operation.

In a post shared on his X account, Okechukwu wrote: “Do you still think Seyi Makinde was insane or seeking attention for casting doubts on the so-called rescue operation in Oyo State? Nigeria is in big trouble. It’s a repeat of the colonial era betrayal that left Africa in this sorry state. History is repeating before our eyes, but in a repackaged format.”

The controversy followed an interview granted by one of the rescued teachers, Olatunde Zaccheaus, who narrated how the victims were released after spending 56 days in captivity.

In an interview, Zaccheaus said the kidnappers informed the hostages that they were being freed. He explained that on the final day, the commander of the abductors appeared smiling, instructed them to thank God for their release, removed their blindfolds, unlocked their chains and handcuffs, and asked them to leave.

Zaccheaus stated that there was no gun battle or military assault on the camp. He said the victims trekked for hours through forests and rivers, with part of the journey facilitated by motorcycles arranged by the kidnappers, before eventually encountering security operatives.

He added that the victims initially feared they were being abducted again when they saw vehicles waiting for them.

The teacher’s account appeared to differ from official statements by the Presidency and the military, which described the development as a successful intelligence-led rescue operation carried out by the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, and other security agencies.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had earlier announced that all the victims were rescued by security agencies, while eight kidnappers were arrested and several others neutralised. He also stated that no ransom or concessions were made.

Governor Makinde had previously thanked President Tinubu and security agencies for the release of the victims, but expressed concern over what he described as “grey and unusual” circumstances surrounding the abduction and their eventual freedom.

The governor called for a United Nations-led investigation into the incident and suggested that the timing of the May 15, 2026 abduction, which occurred shortly after his declaration for the 2027 presidential election, raised questions about possible political motives.

The Senate later rejected Makinde’s call for an investigation, warning against politicising national security and expressing support for the military.

Okechukwu argued that the testimony of the freed teacher vindicated Makinde’s position and highlighted deeper challenges within Nigeria’s security and governance systems.

On May 15, 2026, armed terrorists linked to the Ansaru group attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted about 39 pupils and seven teachers.

The victims were held for 56 days in the dense Old Oyo National Park forest. Reports indicated that at least two teachers were killed in captivity, including one who was allegedly beheaded, with a video of the incident circulated online.

Survivors, including the school principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, later recounted harsh conditions during captivity, including being chained, blindfolded, moved between hideouts, and subjected to psychological torment.