Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for an independent international investigation into the recent abduction of students and teachers from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, declaring that Nigerians deserve the full truth about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The governor made the call in the wake of the release of the victims, insisting that the traumatic experience suffered by the students, teachers and their families raises serious questions that require answers beyond routine official investigations.
Makinde maintained that while efforts by security agencies led to the safe return of the abductees, the incident exposed significant security concerns that must be thoroughly examined to prevent a recurrence.
According to the governor, an independent probe under the supervision of the United Nations would enhance public confidence in the findings and help establish the facts surrounding the kidnapping, including the events leading up to the attack, the response by security agencies and the circumstances that culminated in the victims’ eventual release.
He stressed that transparency is essential in restoring public trust, particularly as cases of mass abductions continue to pose a serious threat to education and national security across Nigeria.
“The Nigerian people deserve to know exactly what happened. The victims deserve justice, their families deserve answers and future generations deserve assurances that such an incident will never happen again,” the governor said.
Makinde noted that the international community has repeatedly expressed concern over attacks on schools in Nigeria and argued that involving a neutral global institution would reinforce the credibility of any findings and recommendations.
The governor said the proposed investigation should identify any lapses in intelligence gathering, security coordination and emergency response mechanisms, while also recommending reforms capable of strengthening the protection of schools and other vulnerable public institutions.
He further emphasized that accountability should not be viewed as an attack on security agencies but as a necessary step toward improving national security architecture.
The governor also commended the resilience of the abducted students, teachers and school administrators, particularly the Principal of Community High School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, whose account of the ordeal has drawn widespread sympathy.
Makinde pledged continued psychological, medical and educational support for the victims as they recover from the traumatic experience.
He urged the Federal Government, international partners and civil society organizations to support efforts aimed at safeguarding schools, protecting children and ensuring that those responsible for the abduction are identified and brought to justice.
The governor reiterated that transparency, accountability and justice remain indispensable in confronting Nigeria’s growing security challenges, insisting that only a comprehensive and credible investigation can restore public confidence and help prevent similar attacks in the future.
