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 proposal as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Makinde made the appeal on Monday while formally receiving the rescued teachers and pupils, who spent 56 days in captivity, and announcing that the Oyo State Government would assume responsibility for their welfare, rehabilitation and education.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping 39 pupils and six teachers.
Reacting to the governor’s request, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Nigeria’s security agencies had already explained how the rescue operation was carried out.
He said the Federal Government had no objection to an international review if necessary but questioned why Makinde lacked confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
Onanuga argued that the rescue mission came at a significant cost, with members of the military and Amotekun losing their lives during the operation.
He dismissed suggestions that security agencies would deliberately allow children to remain in captivity, describing such claims as illogical.
The presidential spokesman also accused Makinde, who is seeking the presidency, of allowing politics to influence his demand for an international investigation.
According to him, the military and the Department of State Services (DSS) had already provided information about the rescue, making another probe unnecessary.
Makinde Defends Call for Independent Investigation
Governor Seyi Makinde insisted that his request was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability rather than discrediting Nigerian institutions.
Speaking after the rescued victims arrived at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan, he said the circumstances surrounding the abduction were serious enough to warrant independent scrutiny.
Makinde called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability organisations to examine the facts surrounding both the abduction and the rescue operation.
He maintained that Nigerians deserve a full explanation of what happened, including whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion.
The governor stressed that the Federal Government bears primary constitutional responsibility for national security and said his appeal was about justice for the victims and restoring public confidence in school safety, not politics.
Oyo Government Takes Responsibility for Victims’ Recovery
Makinde announced that the Oyo State Government had officially assumed responsibility for the welfare of the rescued teachers and pupils.
He said the victims would receive medical care, psychological support and educational assistance until they fully recover.
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
Describing the incident as unprecedented during his more than seven years in office, Makinde expressed hope that such an attack would never happen again in the state.
He also assured that the teachers’ careers and the pupils’ education would not be disrupted despite the school being privately owned.
According to him, the victims would remain under medical observation for 24 to 48 hours before reuniting with their families.
Following the handover, the rescued teachers and pupils were taken to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, for further medical evaluation and treatment.
Army Explains Rescue Operation
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the successful rescue resulted from sustained collaboration among the military, police, DSS, Amotekun, local vigilantes and other security agencies.
He said security forces began pursuing the abductors immediately after the incident, but the victims had already been moved deep into the forest.
According to the Army commander, aerial surveillance proved ineffective because of the dense vegetation, forcing security forces to rely on ground operations.
He disclosed that the mission claimed the lives of two soldiers, while several others were injured, including one who suffered a gunshot wound that fractured his arm.
Nnebeife said security agencies focused on identifying the kidnappers’ leaders, disrupting their supply routes and tracking members of the network across several states, including Adamawa and Kano.
He added that blocking the group’s logistics base in Ashamu eventually forced the abductors to release the victims unconditionally.
The Army maintained that the operation is continuing, with efforts focused on eliminating terrorist activities in the region.
Principal Recounts Harrowing Experience
One of the rescued victims and Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, described the ordeal as traumatic.
She said the victims spent weeks moving through forests at night and living in constant fear.
Alamu revealed that the abductors killed mathematics teacher Mr. Michael Oyedokun to intimidate security forces and demonstrate the seriousness of their threats.
She also recalled how the victims were transported on about 10 motorcycles through remote forest routes after initially travelling in her vehicle.
The principal admitted that returning to work in a rural community after the experience would be difficult, despite having only four years left before retirement after 28 years of service.
Opposition Parties Back Makinde’s Position
Four opposition parties — the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP) — have expressed support for Makinde’s call for an independent investigation.
The parties said a thorough inquiry would establish the facts, ensure justice for the victims and strengthen public confidence in efforts to tackle insecurity.
NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said those responsible should be identified and prosecuted, regardless of which institution conducts the investigation.
APGA spokesman Ejimofor Opara said any initiative capable of bringing the perpetrators to justice should be welcomed.
Similarly, SDP National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba supported a broader investigation into the country’s worsening security situation, while YPP spokesman Wale Egbeola-Martins said an independent probe would help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Labour Party Opposes UN Involvement
The Labour Party (LP), however, disagreed with Makinde’s call for a United Nations investigation.
National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa argued that Nigeria’s security agencies should handle the matter without foreign intervention.
He said inviting the UN could raise questions about Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged the governor to present any additional information he possesses to the DSS and the police.
According to Asogwa, the appropriate course of action is to demand a comprehensive investigation by domestic security agencies rather than involving international organisations.
Alaafin Commends Security Agencies
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, also visited the rescued teachers and pupils on Monday, commending the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts.
The monarch made cash donations to the victims during his visit to the medical facility at the 2 Division, Odogbo Cantonment, in Akinyele Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin praised the military’s intelligence-led operations and precision strikes against terrorist groups.
He also commended traditional rulers for their support and efforts toward securing the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
