Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability organisations to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the incident raises serious questions that deserve transparent scrutiny.
The governor made the call in a statewide broadcast on Monday following the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, describing their rescue as a moment of relief but insisting that justice and accountability must follow.
Makinde said while the reunion of the victims with their families marked the end of a painful ordeal, it also signalled the beginning of another responsibility to establish the truth behind the incident.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the abduction and its eventual resolution were “sufficiently grave and unusual” to warrant independent international examination beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
He said: “I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable.”
The governor stressed that under Nigeria’s Constitution, responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and security agencies under its command, adding that Nigerians deserve a comprehensive explanation of what transpired.
He said there should be a transparent account of who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and the steps required to prevent a recurrence.
Makinde maintained that his appeal was not politically motivated but driven by the need to secure justice for the victims and restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
“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 go to school without fear,” he said.
The governor expressed gratitude over the successful rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils, thanking residents of the state for their patience, resilience and cooperation throughout the weeks-long crisis.
However, he said the joy of their safe return was overshadowed by the deaths recorded during the incident.
Makinde paid tribute to three teachers who lost their lives, namely Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed during the initial attack on the school, Deacon John Olaleye, who died in captivity, and Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose killing was captured in a widely circulated video.
He also honoured the sacrifices of security personnel, hunters and operatives of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who died during rescue operations, including Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed Nigerian soldier.
The governor wished Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the incident, a speedy recovery.
Warning that criminal elements could attempt further attacks, Makinde urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies or through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
He also announced plans to strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, which he noted falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
According to him, the state government will introduce stricter oversight of access routes into and out of the park through adjoining local government areas, improve intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and establish protocols to prevent criminal groups from exploiting border communities as operational bases.
He assured parents and residents that the government would continue to take every lawful step to improve the safety of schools and communities across the state.
“As the Government of Oyo State, we will continue to support every lawful effort that strengthens our security architecture, protects our people and brings every person responsible for this tragedy to justice,” the governor stated.