Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the incident warrants independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
Makinde made the appeal on Monday during a statewide broadcast, hours after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the Oyo State Government following their release after spending 56 days in captivity.
The governor said that while the safe return of the victims was a moment of relief, it should also mark the beginning of efforts to establish the full truth behind the incident.
“The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility—our collective responsibility to establish the truth,” he said.
Makinde urged international human rights and accountability bodies, including agencies within the United Nations system, to thoroughly examine both the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the rescue.
According to him, such an investigation would strengthen, rather than weaken, public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
“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 under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
The governor stressed that although responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and its security agencies, Nigerians deserve a transparent account of the events that unfolded during the 56-day hostage crisis.
“The Nigerian people deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again,” he said.
Insisting that his call was not politically motivated, Makinde said the demand was driven by the need for justice for the victims and renewed confidence in the country’s security system.
“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 added.
The governor also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the abduction and rescue operation, including teachers Joel Adesiyan, John-Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun, whose execution was captured in a viral video released by the kidnappers.
He also honoured soldiers, local hunters and Amotekun operatives who died during efforts to rescue the victims.
While celebrating the return of the abductees, Makinde cautioned that the security threat had not been completely eliminated. He warned that criminal groups often return to areas they perceive as vulnerable and urged residents to remain vigilant by promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility,” the governor said, encouraging residents to make use of the state’s emergency response lines whenever necessary.
Makinde also announced plans to strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, which investigators believe served as a hideout for the kidnappers.
Although the national park is under the control of the Federal Government, he said the state would intensify surveillance along access routes into and out of the park, improve intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and introduce measures to prevent criminal groups from exploiting border communities. He added that details of the new security measures would be announced in due course.
