The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has backed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his request for an international investigation into the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in the state. They believe this step will help find the truth and strengthen the fight against terrorism.
In a statement on Wednesday, Abubakar Yusuf, the party's National Publicity Secretary, said Makinde’s call would improve Nigeria’s work with international partners in tackling terrorism. They insisted that this move would not hurt the country’s sovereignty.
On Monday, while taking charge of the care, rehabilitation, and education of the 45 rescued teachers and pupils after their 56 days in captivity, Makinde said Nigerians deserved a full explanation of what happened during the abduction.
The governor made it clear that his request for international help, especially from the United Nations, was about promoting accountability and transparency, not about putting down Nigerian institutions.
The victims were taken on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. They kidnapped 39 pupils and six teachers.
Makinde’s demand for an international investigation has sparked mixed reactions. Some Nigerians are in support, but the Senate warned the governor on Tuesday against making comments that could undermine the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in fighting terrorism and kidnapping.
In response, the APM pointed out that President Bola Tinubu had asked for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism before. The party said, “The reactions from leaders of the All Progressives Congress, including senior government officials and APC senators, following our presidential candidate and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde’s call for an international investigation, raises suspicion of involvement in high places.
“The APM urges Nigerians to see that only those worried by guilt and involvement, who fear a probe, will react nervously and irrationally against genuine efforts to find the truth.
“Governor Makinde’s demand for an international investigation into this act of terrorism against Nigerians does not threaten our nation’s sovereignty as claimed by APC leaders. It actually strengthens our sovereignty by improving Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners against terrorism, which is a global crime.
“Our presidential candidate was clear in his call for truth. Asking for external help is not new in our ongoing work with international bodies in fighting terrorism.”
The party also claimed that some APC leaders need to explain their alleged links with bandits. They said, “Nigerians remember that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, in different international meetings, including the United Nations General Assembly, called for foreign cooperation in fighting terrorism in Nigeria, especially in aid and intelligence sharing.
“Specifically, in June 2024, President Tinubu asked for such collaboration from officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation during a meeting.
“Nigerians are now asking why APC leaders, if they have nothing to hide, are suddenly anxious and restless because Governor Makinde is asking for the truth, a request that resonates with all Nigerians of good conscience.”
The APM further claimed that APC leaders might have something to say regarding their party’s alleged ties with bandits. They referred to a former APC leader’s earlier confession about political mercenaries being brought in from neighboring countries before the 2015 elections.
The APM called on political leaders, including National Assembly members and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to support Makinde’s demand for the truth instead of criticizing him.
“The APM, as the people’s party, stands firmly with our presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, in his call for truth for the safety and security of over 200 million Nigerians.
“The APM commends our security agencies for their bravery and professionalism in rescuing the abducted schoolchildren and in the fight against terrorism in the country. Our party praises the dedication of our men and women in uniform and urges them to stay focused on securing lives and property in our nation,” the statement concluded.
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