Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident warrant independent scrutiny.
Speaking on Monday in Ibadan after formally receiving the rescued pupils and teachers from the Nigerian military, the governor said Nigerians deserve a transparent, credible and independent account of the events surrounding both the abduction and the rescue operation.
Makinde said the proposed investigation should establish the facts, identify those responsible for the attack, examine whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to him, although security remains the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government and its security agencies, every effort must be made to ensure accountability wherever lapses are established.
The governor stressed that his appeal for an international investigation was not politically motivated but driven by the need to secure justice for the victims, reassure their families and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at strengthening security and safeguarding schools across Oyo State.
Makinde’s remarks came after the military handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the Oyo State Government following their release after 56 days in captivity. The victims had undergone medical observation, psychological evaluation and psychosocial support before the handover.
The governor disclosed that the state government has assumed responsibility for the victims’ rehabilitation, including medical treatment, psychological care and measures to ensure that their education and careers are not disrupted.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Security agencies later confirmed that all the surviving abductees were rescued during a coordinated multi-agency operation, with eight suspected kidnappers arrested and others reportedly neutralised.
