Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations (UN) and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Nigerians deserve a transparent and credible account of the events surrounding the incident and the subsequent rescue of the victims.
The governor made the appeal during a statewide broadcast after the abducted pupils and teachers were reunited with their families following 56 days in captivity. He described the circumstances surrounding the mass abduction and its resolution as exceptional, saying they warrant independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria's domestic institutions.
According to Makinde, the incident raises critical questions that require an impartial investigation to establish the truth, identify any institutional failures, and ensure accountability for all those found responsible.
"The circumstances surrounding this abduction are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions," the governor said.
"Therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, I 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 emphasized that his call for an international investigation should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in Nigeria's institutions but rather as an effort to reinforce public trust through openness and accountability.
"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 responsible, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable," he stated.
The governor also noted that, under Nigeria's Constitution, responsibility for national security rests squarely with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its command.
He maintained that Nigerians deserve a comprehensive explanation of how the abduction occurred, who was responsible, whether there were lapses, negligence or collusion at any level, and the measures that will be put in place to prevent a recurrence.
"The Nigerian people therefore deserve a full, transparent and credible 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 a tragedy again," Makinde said.
The governor's call comes amid growing public demand for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of major kidnapping incidents, as concerns over insecurity continue to dominate national discourse.
