The Presidency has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing the proposal as unnecessary and influenced by politics.
Governor Makinde made the appeal while officially taking responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the 45 rescued pupils and teachers, who regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity. He argued that Nigerians deserved a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue operation.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Federal Government had no objection to any international body examining the incident if necessary. However, he maintained that the military and other security agencies had already provided sufficient explanations regarding the rescue mission.
Onanuga questioned the basis for the governor’s demand, arguing that it was unreasonable to suggest that security agencies would deliberately allow children and teachers to remain in captivity for nearly two months.
He noted that the operation came at a heavy cost, with military personnel and members of the Amotekun Corps losing their lives while pursuing the kidnappers. According to him, no security agency would intentionally expose innocent citizens to such trauma.
The presidential aide further alleged that Makinde’s position was politically motivated, claiming the governor’s presidential ambition had influenced his public statements. He described the call for a UN investigation as unwarranted and accused the governor of politicising a sensitive security issue
Makinde, however, insisted that his request was aimed at ensuring accountability rather than undermining Nigerian institutions. He said an independent investigation would help establish the facts, determine whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion, and restore public confidence in the country’s security system.
The governor also reminded the Federal Government that responsibility for national security rests with federal authorities under the Constitution, adding that citizens deserve a full explanation of how the abduction occurred and how it was eventually resolved.
As part of the state’s support programme, Makinde announced that the rescued teachers and pupils would receive medical care, psychological counselling and educational assistance until they fully recover. He also pledged to work with the affected schools to ensure there would be no disruption to the victims’ education or careers.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the successful rescue resulted from sustained collaboration among the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and other security agencies.
He explained that the operation involved disrupting the kidnappers’ logistics network after aerial surveillance proved ineffective because of the dense forest where the victims were held. According to him, security forces eventually blocked the group’s supply routes, forcing the abductors to release the victims unconditionally.
The GOC revealed that the operation claimed the lives of two soldiers, while several others sustained injuries during the mission. He stressed that security agencies remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks operating within the region.
Speaking after their rescue, the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, described the traumatic experience endured by the victims. She said they were forced to trek through forests, frequently relocated by their captors and subjected to constant fear throughout their captivity.
She disclosed that one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the kidnappers as a warning to security agencies and the government. Alamu admitted that the experience had left lasting emotional scars and expressed uncertainty about returning to work in remote communities.
Meanwhile, four opposition parties—the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP)—backed Makinde’s call for an independent investigation, saying it would help uncover the truth, ensure justice for victims and improve public confidence in efforts to tackle insecurity.
The Labour Party, however, opposed the proposal, arguing that investigations into the incident should remain the responsibility of Nigeria’s security agencies. The party maintained that involving the United Nations in a domestic security matter could raise concerns about the country’s sovereignty.
Also on Monday, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, visited the rescued teachers and pupils, commending the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release. The traditional ruler also donated cash to the victims and praised the military for its continued fight against terrorism and insurgency.
