Senate Cautions Makinde Over UN Probe Call, Praises Security Forces for Oyo Rescue

The Senate on Tuesday cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against what it described as politicising the abduction and subsequent rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area, urging him to refrain from calls for an international investigation into the incident.

The warning followed the adoption of an additional motion moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during plenary presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.

In the motion, which was seconded and unanimously adopted by lawmakers, the Senate commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted victims after more than 50 days in captivity.

The Senate, however, expressed concern over Governor Makinde's recent call on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue operation.

Lawmakers urged the governor to desist from what they described as politicising and trivialising the Federal Government's efforts, arguing that such calls undermine the sacrifices and professionalism demonstrated by security personnel involved in the operation.

According to the Senate, the rescue mission reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and the commitment of the nation's security agencies to protecting lives.

The upper chamber subsequently adopted the substantive motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, praising President Tinubu for what it described as his decisive leadership and strategic directives that contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.

The Senate also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and other security operatives for conducting the coordinated operation that secured the victims' freedom, led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists and the neutralisation of several others.

In honour of security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission, the Senate paid tribute to Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, observing a minute of silence in recognition of their sacrifice.

Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate payment of all benefits and entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers.

The Senate also called on the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country, while reaffirming its support for ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture.

Governor Makinde had earlier called for independent international scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the Oriire school abduction, maintaining that the request was intended to promote transparency, establish the facts surrounding the incident and strengthen public confidence in the country's security institutions.