Makinde seeks UN, global rights bodies’ probe of Oyo school abduction

Governor Seyi Makinde has called on international bodies, including the United Nations, to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to establish the truth, identify lapses that occurred during the incident, and prevent a recurrence.

In a broadcast address after he received the rescued pupils and teachers at the government secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, Mr Makinde said the circumstances surrounding the incident required an external investigation.

“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grey and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions,” he said.

He added, “I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility, as the executive governor of Oyo State, call on the international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.”

Mr Makinde added that the probe was needed to reinforce public confidence, establish the truth, and hold individuals and public officials accountable.

“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions,” the governor stated. “Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence. That the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence, or affiliation, will be held accountable.”

The governor said every Nigerian deserved a full and transparent account of what transpired, who was responsible, what institutional failures or security lapses occurred, and measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and to restore public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear,” Mr Makinde said.

The governor stated that the essence of leadership is best measured by whether it learns from tragedy and how it builds stronger institutions.

Mr Makinde assured parents and residents that his administration would continue to support all lawful efforts that would guarantee the security of lives.

He announced that his administration would regulate movement, improve community intelligence, and strengthen collaboration with local communities and security agencies.

The governor’s call on international organisations to probe the abduction came days after he linkedthe abduction to his ambition to contest the presidency in the 2027 general elections.

“For seven years, we did not witness anything like this in Oyo State,” said Mr Makinde. “I declared to run for the president of Nigeria at 4:00 o’clock, and by 9:00 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted.”

His remarks followed the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers, who had been held captive since May 15.