The Senate and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday took opposing positions over Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for the United Nations (UN) to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from a school in Oriire Local Government Area.
Their separate positions follow the successful rescue of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.
While the Senate cautioned the governor against making remarks capable of undermining the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in combating terrorism and kidnapping, the NDC threw its weight behind the governor’s request, describing it as a necessary step towards transparency and accountability.
The Senate’s position formed part of resolutions adopted after lawmakers debated a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of the 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers, as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.
The upper legislative chamber commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for securing the release of the victims, while also applauding President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy every available resource towards ensuring the safe return of those abducted by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.
Lawmakers noted that the operation, which lasted over 50 days before the victims regained freedom on July 10, also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised.
According to the Senate, the operation demonstrated improved professionalism, operational efficiency and effective collaboration among the nation’s security agencies in responding to terrorism and kidnapping.
Despite celebrating the success, the Senate acknowledged the heavy price paid during the rescue mission. It paid tribute to Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, who lost their lives in the operation. It also recognised Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the rescue exercise.
The lawmakers equally expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity but described the rescue of the remaining victims as a significant achievement that had restored hope to Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities.
Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately pay all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel.
It also called for improved welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity for members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, while urging sustained military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups through enhanced logistics, modern surveillance technology and better intelligence gathering.
The Senate further appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.
However, during deliberations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, whose position was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, cautioned Governor Makinde against making statements that he said could diminish public confidence in the country’s security institutions or undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
In sharp contrast, the Nigeria Democratic Congress threw its weight behind Governor Makinde’s call for an independent UN investigation into the Oriire school abduction, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident deserved a transparent and impartial international inquiry.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the party argued that a UN-backed investigation would help establish the truth, ensure accountability and deliver justice to the victims and their families.
“We fully support Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations investigation into the Oriire school abduction.
“This is not about politics; it is about ensuring that every question surrounding the incident is answered through a transparent, credible and independent process that Nigerians can trust,” the statement read.
The party maintained that the safety and security of Nigerian children should never become a subject of partisan disagreement or political controversy.
“The security of our children must never become a subject of speculation or partisan debate.
“We urge the Federal Government to embrace every legitimate effort aimed at uncovering the truth, strengthening public confidence in our security institutions and preventing similar tragedies in the future,” the NDC stated.
According to the opposition party, the lives of Nigerian children are too precious to be treated with anything less than the highest standards of accountability, adding that an independent investigation would not only clarify the circumstances surrounding the abduction but also strengthen public trust in the nation’s security and justice systems.
Governor Makinde had, in a statewide broadcast following the rescue of the victims, called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the Oriire abduction, arguing that an independent inquiry would lend credibility to the findings and address growing public concerns over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Oriire school abduction, which drew nationwide attention, has further reignited calls for stronger security around schools, improved intelligence gathering and greater protection for pupils, teachers and educational institutions across Nigeria.