The Presidency has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing the proposal as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Makinde made the call on Monday while formally receiving 45 rescued pupils and teachers who spent 56 days in captivity after being abducted by armed men during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. He said Nigerians deserved a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue, adding that an independent international inquiry would strengthen public confidence rather than undermine local institutions.
Responding, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Nigeria’s military and security agencies had already explained the rescue operation and questioned the need for an external investigation. He maintained that no security agency would deliberately allow children to remain in captivity, noting that some military personnel and members of the Amotekun Corps lost their lives during the operation.
Onanuga also suggested that Makinde’s position was influenced by politics, accusing the governor of attempting to weaponise the incident. He, however, said the Federal Government had no objection if the UN chose to examine the matter.
Makinde rejected claims that his demand was politically motivated, insisting that the investigation was necessary to determine whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion that contributed to the abduction. He also announced that the Oyo State Government had assumed responsibility for the medical care, rehabilitation and education of the rescued victims, while thanking President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for securing their release.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the rescue followed weeks of coordinated operations involving the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun and local vigilantes. He disclosed that two soldiers were killed and others injured during the mission, which ended after security forces cut off the kidnappers’ supply routes and logistics.
One of the rescued victims, Community High School principal Rachael Alamu, recounted the ordeal, saying the abductees spent most of their 56 days in the forest under harsh conditions. She said the kidnappers killed a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, to pressure the government and intimidate security agencies, while several children endured beatings whenever they cried.
Makinde’s call received support from the Nigeria Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Social Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party, which argued that an independent probe would promote accountability and restore public confidence. However, the Labour Party opposed international involvement, insisting that Nigerian security agencies should handle the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, visited the rescued pupils and teachers in Ibadan, commending the military and other security agencies for their efforts and donating cash to support the victims’ recovery.
