THE Presidency has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his request for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing the proposal as unnecessary and politically driven.
Governor Makinde made the call while officially receiving the 45 teachers and pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity.
He argued that an independent international investigation would help establish the full facts surrounding the incident and strengthen public confidence in the outcome.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping 39 pupils and six teachers.
Responding to the governor’s remarks, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Federal Government had no objection to an international review if necessary but questioned the need for such a move, insisting that Nigerian security agencies had already explained how the rescue operation was carried out.
According to Onanuga, it was unreasonable to suggest that security agencies would deliberately allow children and teachers to remain in captivity for nearly two months, especially when members of the military and Amotekun lost their lives during the rescue mission.
He also accused Makinde, who is seeking the presidency, of allowing political interests to influence his position, maintaining that the governor’s comments reflected a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
Makinde, however, defended his call, saying the proposed investigation was not intended to undermine the country’s institutions but to ensure accountability and establish the truth.
He stressed that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what happened, including whether there were any institutional failures, negligence, or collusion during the incident.
The governor also reminded the Federal Government that responsibility for national security rests with it under the Constitution, adding that an independent investigation would help restore public confidence and ensure justice for the victims.
Beyond the investigation, Makinde announced that the Oyo State Government had taken responsibility for the rescued teachers and pupils, promising to provide medical treatment, psychological care, rehabilitation, and educational support until they fully recover.
He also assured that the affected teachers’ jobs and the pupils’ education would not be disrupted.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, disclosed that the rescue operation involved coordinated efforts by the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun, local vigilantes, and other security agencies.
He explained that the victims had been moved deep into the forest, making aerial surveillance ineffective because of the dense vegetation.
Ground forces eventually tracked the kidnappers’ networks, disrupted their supply routes, and blocked their logistics base, leading to the unconditional release of the abductees.
The Army officer revealed that the operation claimed the lives of two soldiers, while others sustained injuries, but insisted that security forces remain committed to eliminating criminal groups operating in the region.
Speaking after their rescue, Community High School principal, Rachael Alamu, recounted the difficult conditions the victims endured in captivity. She said they trekked through forests, travelled on motorcycles and bicycles, and lived in constant fear.
According to her, one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the kidnappers early in the captivity to intimidate security agencies and pressure the government into meeting their demands.
Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Social Democratic Party, and Young Progressives Party, backed Makinde’s call for an independent investigation, arguing that it would help uncover the truth, ensure justice, and strengthen public confidence in efforts to tackle insecurity.
However, the Labour Party opposed involving the United Nations, insisting that Nigerian security agencies should handle the investigation.
The party argued that if the governor possesses additional information about the incident, he should present it to the appropriate authorities rather than seeking foreign intervention.
Also on Monday, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, visited the rescued teachers and pupils in Ibadan, commending the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
The monarch also donated cash to the victims and commended the role of traditional rulers and security operatives in the successful rescue mission.
