The Presidency has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing the request as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Makinde made the call on Monday while formally taking over the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the 45 rescued victims, saying Nigerians deserved a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and their eventual rescue.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. They spent 56 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.
Reacting to the governor’s position, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the military and other security agencies had already explained the rescue operation and saw no reason for an international investigation.
Speaking in an interview, Onanuga said the Federal Government had no objection if the United Nations chose to review the incident but questioned the basis for the governor’s request.
“The governor has expressed his opinion that the UN should investigate the matter. Our doors are open. If he believes there are unresolved issues beyond what the military has explained, the UN is free to come,” he said.
He argued that no security agency would deliberately allow children to remain in captivity for nearly two months, noting that the operation claimed the lives of security personnel, including soldiers and members of the Amotekun Corps.
According to him, the suggestion that anyone intentionally prolonged the victims’ ordeal was unreasonable, especially after the death of a mathematics teacher during the period of captivity.
Onanuga also accused Makinde, who is seeking the presidency, of allowing politics to influence his position.
He said the governor’s call reflected a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s institutions and described the request as “unwarranted” and “absolutely unnecessary.”
Makinde Defends Call for International Scrutiny
Makinde maintained that an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts surrounding the incident and strengthen public confidence in the country’s security system.
In a video released after the rescued pupils and teachers arrived at the Oyo State Secretariat, the governor urged the United Nations and other international accountability bodies to examine the circumstances of the abduction.
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He said the request was not intended to undermine Nigerian institutions but to ensure accountability.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are grave enough to deserve independent scrutiny. This is about ensuring the truth is established and that anyone found responsible, regardless of status or position, is held accountable,” Makinde said.
The governor stressed that the Federal Government bore primary responsibility for national security under the Constitution and insisted Nigerians deserved to know whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion.
He rejected suggestions that his call was politically motivated.
“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassuring our people and restoring confidence that every Nigerian child can attend school without fear,” he said.
Oyo Government Takes Over Victims’ Rehabilitation
Makinde announced that the Oyo State Government had assumed responsibility for the welfare of the rescued teachers and pupils.
He said the victims would receive medical treatment, psychological care and educational support until they fully recovered.
The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu and the country’s security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims.
Although the affected school is privately owned, he pledged that the state government would work with its management to ensure the pupils’ education and teachers’ careers were not disrupted.
He disclosed that the victims would remain under medical observation for between 24 and 48 hours before reuniting with their families.
Army Recounts Rescue Operation
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the rescue followed weeks of coordinated operations involving the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes.
He said troops tracked the kidnappers from the first day of the abduction but encountered difficulties because the victims were moved deep into forests.
According to him, aerial surveillance proved ineffective due to the dense vegetation, forcing security agencies to rely on ground operations and intelligence gathering.
Nnebeife said two soldiers were killed during the mission while others sustained injuries, including one who suffered a gunshot wound that fractured his arm.
He added that security forces eventually disrupted the kidnappers’ logistics network and blocked their major supply base at Ashamu, forcing them to release the pupils and teachers without conditions.
Victims Recount Ordeal
One of the rescued victims and Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, Mrs Rachael Alamu, described their experience as traumatic.
She said the kidnappers killed mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun to frighten security agencies and demonstrate their seriousness.
According to her, the victims trekked through forests at night, endured harsh conditions and watched the youngest children suffer severe beatings.
Alamu said the experience had left her uncertain about returning to work in rural communities.
Opposition Parties Back Makinde
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP) supported Makinde’s demand for an independent investigation.
The parties said a credible probe would establish the truth, ensure justice for the victims and strengthen public confidence in efforts to tackle insecurity.
NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said any institution capable of ensuring justice should be supported.
APGA spokesman Ejimofor Opara said the priority should be bringing those responsible to justice, while SDP spokesman Rufus Aiyenigba called for a broader investigation into the country’s worsening security situation.
YPP National Publicity Secretary Wale Egbeola-Martins also backed an independent probe, saying accountability and transparency were necessary to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s security institutions.
Labour Party Opposes UN Involvement
The Labour Party, however, rejected Makinde’s call for a UN investigation.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said the matter should remain within the jurisdiction of Nigerian security agencies.
He argued that involving the United Nations could raise concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged the governor to provide any additional information he might have rather than seek international intervention.
Asogwa said the Department of State Services and the police should be allowed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the abduction.
Alaafin Visits Rescued Victims
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, visited the rescued pupils and teachers in Ibadan on Monday, where he commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for securing their release.
The monarch also made cash donations to the victims and praised the military’s intelligence-driven operations against terrorist groups.
He further acknowledged the efforts of traditional rulers who supported initiatives that contributed to the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.