Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for an independent international investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the incident raises serious questions about national security that cannot be answered by domestic institutions alone.
In a statewide broadcast on Monday following the release of the victims from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, the Governor said he has formally asked the United Nations and other global human rights bodies to examine the facts surrounding the abduction and its resolution.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions,” Makinde stated.
He stressed that the call was not to discredit Nigerian security agencies, but to strengthen public trust.
“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,” he said.
The Governor noted that under the Constitution, national security rests with the Federal Government.
“The Nigerian people therefore 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.”
While expressing relief over the rescue of the teachers and pupils, Makinde said the state remains in mourning.
He paid tribute to:
Mr. Joel Adesiyan killed during the school attack , Deacon John Olaleye who died in captivity, Mr. Michael Oyedokun killed by abductors in a video that went viral and security personnel who died in the rescue, Lt. F. A. Isaac, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba, and an unnamed soldier.
He also wished Mr. Bamidele Paul, who was seriously injured, a speedy recovery.
Makinde warned that the release of the victims must not lead to relaxation, saying bandit groups often return to communities they see as vulnerable.
“The threat posed by criminal elements has not disappeared. We must therefore not allow this moment of relief to become a moment of complacency,” he said.
He announced new measures for communities bordering Old Oyo National Park: tighter control of access routes, better intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration with locals, and steps to stop criminals from using the area as a base.
The Governor also urged residents to report suspicious movements through the Oyo State emergency toll-free line 615.
“To every parent across Oyo State, let me assure you that your government has heard your fears. We will not relent until every lawful step has been taken to make our schools and communities safer for our children,” Makinde assured.
“Leadership is ultimately measured not only by how we respond to tragedy, but by whether we learn from it and build stronger institutions afterwards. That is the commitment we make to the people of Oyo State today.”
