The Presidency has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction of 39 pupils and six teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing the demand as unnecessary and politically motivated.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities.
They regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity and were formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday.
Speaking after assuming responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the rescued pupils and teachers, Makinde called for an independent international investigation into the incident. He said Nigerians deserved to know exactly what happened and whether there were institutional failures or negligence.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution,” the governor said.
“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.”
Makinde insisted that his call was not aimed at discrediting Nigeria’s institutions.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. 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.
He added, “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.”
Reacting to the governor’s demand, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Makinde’s request showed a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, insisting that the military and other security agencies had already explained how the victims were rescued.
“The Governor has just expressed his opinion that the UN should probe this incident. Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained,” Onanuga said.
He questioned the basis for the governor’s request, arguing that security agencies had no reason to deliberately allow children and teachers to remain in captivity for nearly two months.
“Look at those kids. Some of them are just about four or six years old. Will anyone want to deliberately subject them to the trauma they went through for 56 days?” he asked.
Onanuga also noted that the rescue mission came at a heavy cost, with some military personnel and members of the Amotekun Corps losing their lives while pursuing the kidnappers.
He further accused Makinde, who is seeking the presidency, of allowing politics to influence his position.
“It is just unfortunate that Mr Makinde, maybe because of politics, because he is a presidential candidate now, doesn’t have any trust in our own institutions and is now calling on an external body to come and investigate,” he said.
Describing the governor’s demand as “unwarranted” and “absolutely unnecessary,” Onanuga added, “The man is just playing politics, and it is the politics of the bizarre. He wants to weaponise anything available, including dredging up a strange conspiracy theory.”
Despite calling for an independent probe, Makinde thanked President Bola Tinubu and the country’s security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims and assured that the Oyo State Government would provide them with medical, psychological and educational support until they fully recover.