Senate, Presidency tackle Makinde over call for UN probe Into Oyo school abduction

The Senate and the Presidency have criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Makinde had, during a statewide broadcast, urged the United Nations and other international human rights bodies to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident, insisting that the abduction required independent scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability.

However, the Senate, in a resolution, faulted the governor’s request, describing it as an attempt to trivialise a serious national security matter. The upper chamber instead commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and security agencies for their role in the rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity.

The Senate also urged Makinde to demonstrate empathy towards the victims and their families rather than call for external intervention.

Similarly, the Presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the governor’s call as unnecessary and politically motivated.

Onanuga argued that the demand for a UN-backed probe suggested a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, noting that the military and other agencies had already provided explanations regarding the rescue operation.

“Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained,” Onanuga said, while maintaining that there was no justification for an external investigation.

He further disclosed that the rescue operation came at a significant cost, including the loss of some security personnel, and accused the governor—widely perceived as a presidential aspirant—of politicising the issue.

“It is unfortunate that Mr Makinde, perhaps because of politics, does not have trust in our institutions and is calling for external intervention,” he added.

Responding, Governor Makinde clarified that his call for an international probe was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s institutions but to ensure justice for the victims and restore public confidence.

“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims and reassurance for Nigerians,” the governor stated, reiterating that national security remains primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government under the Constitution.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers. The victims were eventually rescued after 56 days in captivity through a coordinated security operation involving the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes.

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, revealed that the rescue required sustained intelligence efforts and inter-agency collaboration, adding that some soldiers lost their lives while others sustained injuries during the operation.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has assumed full responsibility for the victims’ welfare, including medical treatment, psychological support, and continued education.

Makinde’s call for a UN probe has continued to generate mixed reactions across the political landscape. While parties such as APGA, SDP, and YPP have backed the demand for an independent investigation, the Labour Party rejected it, insisting that Nigeria’s security agencies are capable of handling the matter internally.

In a related development, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, visited the rescued victims and commended the military and other security agencies for their efforts. He also called for sustained intelligence-driven operations to curb insecurity in the region.

The debate over the proposed international probe underscores ongoing tensions between calls for transparency and the defence of national sovereignty in addressing security challenges.