Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and international human rights bodies to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire after their rescue from 56 days in captivity
Makinde Urges UN to Investigate Oyo School Kidnap as Rescued Pupils Return Home
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to independently examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Nigerians deserve a full account of the 56-day hostage ordeal.
Makinde made the appeal on Monday in a statewide broadcast, hours after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the Oyo State Government following their release from captivity.
While celebrating their return, the governor said their freedom did not close the chapter on the incident, describing the circumstances surrounding the abduction as too serious to be left without independent scrutiny.
“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, and our collective responsibility to establish the truth,” Makinde said.
He urged “international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system,” to closely examine the facts surrounding both the abduction and the events leading to the victims’ release.
According to the governor, such an investigation would strengthen public trust rather than diminish 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 said.
Makinde acknowledged that responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and its security agencies but maintained that Nigerians deserve a transparent explanation of what transpired throughout the 56-day captivity.
“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.
He stressed that the demand for accountability was driven by justice and public safety rather than politics.
“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.”
The governor paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the abduction and subsequent rescue operation, including teachers Joel Adesiyan, John-Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun, whose execution was captured in a viral video released by their abductors. He also honoured soldiers, hunters and Amotekun personnel who died during efforts to rescue the victims.
Makinde warned that the successful rescue should not create a false sense of security, noting that criminal groups often return to areas where they perceive vulnerabilities. He urged residents to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious movements and make use of the state’s emergency lines whenever necessary.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
The governor 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 national parks are under the control of the Federal Government, Makinde said the state would immediately tighten surveillance of access routes into and out of the park, strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and introduce measures to prevent criminal groups from exploiting border communities. He added that detailed implementation guidelines would be unveiled later.
Gunmen abducted 39 schoolchildren and teachers on May 15 after attacking Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident sparked widespread outrage across Oyo State, triggering an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers and protests demanding improved security in schools.
The victims were rescued on July 10 following a coordinated operation involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, the Amotekun Corps, hunters and local vigilantes before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday.
