Despite Senate Opposition, Oyo Assembly Backs Makinde, Insists UN Must Probe Schoolchildren Abduction

 

The state lawmakers insisted that only a transparent probe could uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack and help prevent similar incidents across Nigeria.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind Governor Seyi Makinde’s demand for an independent international investigation by the United Nations (UN) into the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.

The state lawmakers insisted that only a transparent probe could uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack and help prevent similar incidents across Nigeria.

The lawmakers maintained that the governor’s request for a UN-backed investigation should not be viewed as an attack on the Nigerian government or the country’s security agencies but as a necessary step towards strengthening Nigeria’s response to terrorism and the growing wave of mass kidnappings targeting schools.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in Ibadan, the State Assembly also celebrated the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers while extending condolences to the families of the military personnel and teachers who lost their lives.

The lawmakers argued that repeated attacks on schools across Nigeria have become a national emergency requiring broader international cooperation.

According to the State Assembly, Nigeria should not hesitate to seek assistance from relevant United Nations agencies if domestic efforts have failed to eliminate the threat.

“Mass abduction of schoolchildren has become a disturbing pattern in Nigeria. If our collectiveefforts 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 read.

The lawmakers also defended Governor Makinde against criticism following his call for an international investigation, saying his position had been widely misunderstood.

According to the Assembly, the governor’s appeal was motivated by the need for greater transparency, accountability, and collaboration in tackling terrorism rather than an attempt to discredit ongoing security operations.

The House noted that Makinde had consistently praised President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps and other security organisations for their coordinated efforts that led to the release of the victims after weeks in captivity.

It stressed that recognising the achievements of security agencies does not prevent a thorough review of the incident.

“The call for an independent international investigation is neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of our gallant security agencies,” the House said.

“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 lawmakers also responded to the Senate resolution cautioning Governor Makinde against inviting a UN-backed investigation, insisting that both positions ultimately seek to improve Nigeria’s security architecture.

Governor Makinde had, in a statewide broadcast on Monday after receiving the rescued victims in Ibadan, called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the abduction.

The governor had earlier alleged during a visit to Bauchi State on Friday that the attacks on Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his reported 2027 presidential ambition.

The state lawmakers pointed out that the Senate itself had called for improved welfare, training, logistics, modern equipment for security personnel, and prompt payment of benefits to the families of fallen officers.

According to the Assembly, those recommendations complement Makinde’s proposal rather than contradict it.

The lawmakers further argued that terrorism has evolved into a transnational security challenge, making international partnerships and independent reviews increasingly important.

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

The lawmakers maintained that the objective of the proposed investigation is not to assign blame but to identify lessons that could strengthen the protection of schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

The Assembly also called on Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at improving national security regardless of political, ethnic, or religious differences.

The House expressed appreciation to the Armed Forces, police, intelligence agencies, Amotekun Corps, community volunteers, the media and other stakeholders whose contributions aided the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS