Makinde calls for international scrutiny

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday called for an independent international investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers from communities in Oriire Local Government Area. He urged the United Nations and other global human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and its resolution.

Makinde made the call in a statewide broadcast after the abducted children and teachers from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities returned safely. He described the incident as one that required scrutiny beyond Nigeria's domestic institutions.

The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions,

— Seyi Makinde, Governor, Oyo State

I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.

— Seyi Makinde, Governor, Oyo State

Demand for truth and accountability

Makinde said the request for an international probe was not intended to undermine Nigerian institutions. He said the goal was to strengthen public confidence in the search for truth and accountability.

According to him, Nigerians deserve "a full and transparent account" of what transpired, including whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion, and the measures required to prevent a recurrence. He said the issue should be treated as one of justice and public reassurance.

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,

— Seyi Makinde, Governor, Oyo State

The governor's remarks placed emphasis on accountability for the abduction and on restoring trust in the systems responsible for protecting schoolchildren and communities.

Relief over release, tribute to the dead

While expressing relief over the release of the abductees, Makinde also mourned those who lost their lives during the ordeal. He paid tribute to Mr Joel Adesiyan, Deacon John Olaleye, Mr Michael Oyedokun and security personnel who died during rescue operations.

His statement balanced relief at the safe return of the children and teachers with recognition of the lives lost in the course of the incident and response efforts. The broadcast underscored the human cost of the abduction for families, communities and security personnel involved.

The governor did not provide further details in the statement on the specific circumstances of the deaths, but he identified the individuals and security personnel as among those who died during rescue operations.

Security warning and planned measures

Makinde warned that criminal groups remained a threat and urged residents to remain vigilant. He asked them to report suspicious activities through security agencies or the state's toll-free emergency line, 615.

He also announced plans to strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The measures he outlined include improved intelligence, tighter oversight of access routes and closer collaboration with local communities and security agencies.

The planned steps are aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the affected areas and improving prevention and response capacity in communities seen as exposed to security threats.