Oyo Lawmakers Endorse Makinde’s Plea for UN Inquiry into School Kidnapping

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday reiterated its full backing for Governor Seyi Makinde’s appeal for an impartial international inquiry into the kidnapping of students and educators within the Oriire Local Government Area. The legislative body stressed the critical need for such a global investigation to uncover the true facts behind the mass abduction, enhance Nigeria's overall security framework, and avert future assaults on educational institutions nationwide.

A statement released from the Office of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in Ibadan, the state capital, conveyed the House's felicitations to the state government and its citizens following the successful liberation of the students and teachers held captive by terrorists in the local government. The statement highlighted, “Mass abduction of schoolchildren has become a disturbing pattern in Nigeria. If our collective efforts as a country have not been sufficient to end this menace, it is only appropriate to invite the relevant agency of the United Nations to investigate the unusual circumstances surrounding the Oyo State case and make recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence. Enough is enough.”

The PUNCH had previously reported that Governor Makinde, during a broadcast on Monday after welcoming the freed victims at his Ibadan office, declared the incident's nature to be serious and peculiar enough to necessitate an independent review. He subsequently urged the United Nations and various International Human Rights Organisations to conduct an investigation. Furthermore, on Friday in Bauchi State, the governor had attributed the assaults on Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota to individuals opposing his presidential aspirations for 2027.

Nevertheless, the Oyo Assembly's Tuesday statement also addressed the Nigerian Senate’s recent resolution which advised Governor Makinde against pursuing a UN-backed investigation. The House firmly asserted that the governor’s stance had been misinterpreted. According to the House, “Governor Makinde’s call should not be misinterpreted, but rather it should be seen as a patriotic appeal for greater transparency, accountability and international collaboration in addressing the growing menace of terrorism and mass school abductions.

The statement continued, “The governor had consistently commended President Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps and other security stakeholders for their coordinated efforts that culminated in the successful rescue of the victims after weeks in captivity.” The House further clarified, “The call for an independent international investigation is neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of our gallant security agencies.” The statement emphasized, “It is a responsible request aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, identifying possible security gaps and making recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence.” It concluded this point by stating, “Commending the efforts of our security agencies and seeking a transparent review of the incident are not mutually exclusive.”

The Assembly elaborated that acts of terrorism and assaults on educational institutions have evolved into cross-border issues, thereby making global collaboration increasingly vital for formulating effective counter-terrorism approaches. It highlighted that numerous democratic countries have subjected significant security breaches to independent investigations without compromising the expertise of their security bodies or their national sovereignty.

The legislative body affirmed that Governor Makinde’s proposition was not intended to assign culpability but rather to ensure that all lessons derived from the Oriire abduction are thoroughly grasped and converted into enhanced security protocols designed to safeguard innocent schoolchildren throughout Nigeria. While acknowledging the Senate's recognition of the gallantry and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation, the House also commended the upper legislative chamber's advocacy for better welfare, training, logistics, and contemporary equipment for security agencies, alongside timely disbursement of benefits to the families of deceased personnel.

Nevertheless, the House insisted that these resolutions align with, rather than oppose, Governor Makinde’s demand for an international investigation, underscoring that both initiatives are geared towards bolstering Nigeria’s efforts against terrorism and kidnapping. Consequently, the House urged all Nigerians, irrespective of their political, ethnic, or religious backgrounds, to endorse any measure that can enhance national security, protect schools, and shield children from future assaults. It also extended its condolences to the families of the security officers and the teacher who tragically lost their lives during the incident. Furthermore, gratitude was extended to the nation's security agencies, local security organizations, community volunteers, the media, and all Nigerians whose collective efforts and support were instrumental in the safe repatriation of the abducted pupils and teachers.