A fresh dispute has emerged between the Presidency and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, with the Federal Government describing the request as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Governor Makinde made the appeal on Monday while officially receiving the 45 rescued victims—39 pupils and six teachers—who regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor argued that the circumstances surrounding the attack were serious enough to warrant an independent international investigation, insisting that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what transpired and whether there were institutional failures or negligence.
However, the Presidency dismissed the proposal, maintaining that Nigeria’s security agencies had already provided sufficient explanations regarding the rescue operation.
Presidency Defends Security Agencies
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Federal Government had no objection if the United Nations chose to examine the incident but questioned the basis of Makinde’s demand.
According to him, the military and other security agencies had paid a heavy price during the operation, with some personnel losing their lives while pursuing the abductors.
He described suggestions that the victims were deliberately left in captivity as unreasonable, stressing that no government or security agency would intentionally expose children and teachers to such trauma.
Onanuga also accused Makinde, a presidential aspirant, of allowing political considerations to influence his call for an international investigation.
“The military and the Department of State Services have already explained what happened. Calling for a UN investigation is unwarranted and unnecessary,” he said.
Makinde Demands Transparency
Makinde insisted that his request was not intended to discredit Nigeria’s institutions but to strengthen public confidence through accountability and transparency.
He argued that the Nigerian people deserve clear answers on how the abduction occurred, who was responsible, whether there were lapses by relevant institutions, and what measures would prevent a recurrence.
“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can attend school without fear,” the governor said.
He also reminded the Federal Government that responsibility for national security rests with the federal authorities under the Nigerian Constitution.
Oyo Government Assumes Responsibility for Victims
Following the formal handover of the rescued pupils and teachers by the military, Makinde announced that the Oyo State Government had taken full responsibility for their welfare.
He assured that the victims would receive comprehensive medical care, psychological counselling and educational support throughout their recovery.
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims, describing the abduction as the first incident of its kind during his more than seven years in office.
Makinde said the victims would remain under medical observation before reuniting with their families and pledged to work with the management of the affected private school to ensure the children’s education and teachers’ careers were not disrupted.
Military Recounts Rescue Operation
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, disclosed that the rescue followed weeks of coordinated operations involving the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and other security agencies.
According to him, security forces tracked the abductors through dense forests, disrupted their logistics networks and blocked their supply routes before forcing them to release the victims without conditions.
He revealed that the operation claimed the lives of two soldiers, while several others sustained injuries.
Nnebeife stressed that the mission extended beyond rescuing the victims, noting that security agencies remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks operating in the region.
Survivors Recount Harrowing Experience
One of the rescued teachers and Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, narrated the traumatic experience endured by the victims during their captivity.
She disclosed that they trekked through forests at night, endured harsh conditions and witnessed severe beatings, particularly of the younger children.
Alamu also revealed that the abductors killed mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun to intimidate security forces and demonstrate their resolve.
Describing the experience as deeply traumatic, she admitted she now fears returning to work in rural communities after nearly three decades of teaching.
Opposition Parties Back Makinde
Several opposition parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP), expressed support for Makinde’s call for an independent investigation.
The parties argued that a transparent probe would help uncover the full circumstances surrounding the abduction, ensure justice for the victims and strengthen public confidence in efforts to tackle insecurity.
They maintained that accountability remains essential to preventing similar incidents and improving Nigeria’s security architecture.
Labour Party Rejects UN Intervention
The Labour Party, however, opposed the governor’s request, insisting that the investigation should remain within the jurisdiction of Nigerian security agencies.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, warned that inviting the United Nations to investigate a domestic security issue could raise concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He urged Makinde to share any intelligence in his possession with relevant security agencies rather than seek foreign intervention.
Alaafin Commends Security Agencies
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, also visited the rescued pupils and teachers, where he praised the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their commitment to combating terrorism and securing the victims’ release.
The monarch donated cash to the victims and commended what he described as intelligence-driven military operations that continue to weaken terrorist networks across the country.
He also acknowledged the efforts of traditional rulers who contributed to the campaign for the safe return of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren.
