Oriire abduction: Oyo lawmakers defend Makinde’s UN investigation request

The Oyo State House of Assembly has congratulated the state government and people of Oyo on the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area, while reaffirming its support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent international investigation into the incident.

The Assembly said the proposed probe by a relevant United Nations agency was necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the mass abduction, identify security gaps, strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and prevent similar attacks on schools across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the lawmakers maintained that the growing wave of school abductions in Nigeria had assumed disturbing proportions, making international collaboration imperative.

“Mass abduction of schoolchildren has become a disturbing pattern in Nigeria. If our collective efforts as a country have not been sufficient to end this menace, it is only appropriate to invite the relevant agency of the United Nations to investigate the unusual circumstances surrounding the Oyo State case and make recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence. Enough is enough,” the statement said.

The Assembly also reacted to the Senate’s resolution cautioning Governor Makinde against seeking a United Nations-backed investigation, insisting that the governor’s position had been misconstrued.

According to the lawmakers, Makinde’s call should be seen as a patriotic appeal for greater transparency, accountability and international cooperation in tackling terrorism and the growing menace of mass school abductions, rather than a criticism of the Federal Government or security agencies.

The House noted that the governor had consistently commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps and other security stakeholders for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after weeks in captivity.

It stressed that seeking an independent international investigation and applauding the efforts of security agencies were not contradictory.

“The call for an independent international investigation is neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of our gallant security agencies. It is a responsible request aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, identifying possible security gaps and making recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence. Commending the efforts of our security agencies and seeking a transparent review of the incident are not mutually exclusive,” the Assembly stated.

The lawmakers argued that terrorism and attacks on schools had become transnational challenges, requiring greater international cooperation to develop effective counter-terrorism strategies.

They added that several democratic nations had subjected major security incidents to independent investigations without undermining the professionalism of their security institutions or compromising national sovereignty.

The Assembly further maintained that Governor Makinde’s proposal was not intended to apportion blame but to ensure that lessons from the Oriire abduction were fully understood and translated into stronger security measures capable of protecting schoolchildren across Nigeria.

While commending the Senate for recognising the bravery and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation, the Assembly also welcomed the upper chamber’s call for improved welfare, training, logistics and modern equipment for security agencies, as well as prompt payment of death benefits and other entitlements to the families of fallen personnel.

According to the lawmakers, the Senate’s resolutions complement rather than contradict Governor Makinde’s call for an international investigation, as both initiatives are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to terrorism, kidnapping and attacks on schools.

The Assembly therefore urged Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations, to support every genuine initiative capable of improving national security, safeguarding schools and protecting children from future attacks.

It also commiserated with the families of the security personnel and the teacher who lost their lives during the rescue operation and expressed appreciation to the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, community volunteers, the media and all Nigerians whose contributions helped secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.