- The Presidency has strongly criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing his call for a United Nations-led probe into the abduction of 45 pupils and teachers as “unnecessary,” “unwarranted,” and heavily influenced by political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga argued that the request undermines Nigeria’s security institutions, pointing out that military and security personnel lost their lives during the intense 56-day rescue operation to free the victims.
- While the Presidency accused Makinde of playing “politics of the bizarre” to weaponise the incident, several opposition parties (NDC, APGA, SDP, and YPP) backed the governor’s quest for international transparency, while the Labour Party faulted the move as an infraction on national sovereignty.
The Presidency has strongly 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 demand as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Governor Makinde, while formally assuming responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation, and education of the 45 teachers and pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, called for a UN-backed investigation into the abduction, saying Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- What Tinubu Wants ICPC To Uncover About PFIPC, Adeyemi
- 2% of GDP ‘Missing’ or Just Unreported? Inside the IMF Controversy
Armed bandits had on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the governor’s request suggested a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, insisting that the military and other security agencies had already provided explanations on the rescue operation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Onanuga said the Presidency had no objection to an international body examining the incident if Makinde believed there were unresolved issues, but questioned the basis of the demand.
He argued that security agencies had no reason to deliberately subject Nigerians, especially children, to prolonged captivity.
According to Onanuga, the rescue operation came at a heavy cost, with some security personnel, including members of the military and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, losing their lives while pursuing the abductors.
He added that it was “unthinkable” that anyone would deliberately conspire to expose the victims to the 56-day ordeal, during which a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed.
The presidential spokesperson accused Makinde, who is a presidential aspirant, of allowing political considerations to influence his call for an international probe, characterizing the demand as “politics of the bizarre.”
However, Makinde explained that the call for international scrutiny was aimed at ensuring accountability and reinforcing public confidence rather than discrediting domestic institutions.
He insisted that the demand was not politically motivated but about securing justice for the victims and restoring public confidence so children could go to school without fear.
The rescued pupils and teachers arrived at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan on Monday after being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government by the Federal Government.
Governor Makinde announced that the state government had officially assumed responsibility for the welfare of the rescued victims, ensuring they would receive comprehensive medical, psychological, and educational support. After their handover, the victims were taken to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, for further medical evaluation.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, stated that sustained collaboration among security agencies, backed by directives from the presidency and state leadership, was instrumental in the rescue.
He revealed that the complex operation, which involved tracking terrorist networks across states like Adamawa and Kano, claimed the lives of two soldiers.
Narrating their ordeal in captivity, the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, described how they were forced to trek and ride through uncharted forest paths under horrifying conditions.
She confirmed that the bandits killed the mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, to intimidate security forces and send a threatening message to the government.
In political circles, four opposition parties, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Young Progressives Party (YPP), have backed Makinde’s call for a UN-led probe, arguing that an independent inquiry would ensure transparency.
Conversely, the Labour Party (LP) faulted the governor’s stance, arguing that inviting the UN was an unnecessary encroachment on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, visited the rescued victims at the medical facilities in the 2 Division, Odogbo Cantonment, commending the military and security agencies for their relentless efforts in disrupting terrorist networks.
FURTHER READING
- How Scrapping JSS-SSS Separation Policy Could Impact Out-of-School Crisis
- High Petrol Price: Can FCCPC Come To Nigerians’ Rescue?
- Why The NYSC Reform Push Is Long Overdue
Click to watch the video of the week below:
