Senate turns down Makinde's request for UN inquiry into Oyo school kidnapping

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday turned down Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s request for the United Nations to investigate the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. They said it is a local security issue that should be handled by Nigerian authorities.

Instead, the Senate praised President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies for successfully rescuing the 44 pupils and teachers. They had been in captivity for 56 days before regaining their freedom.

The Senate also remembered security personnel who lost their lives during the operation. They called on the federal government to improve the welfare of those involved in counter-kidnapping missions.

This decision came after a motion by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, along with support from other senators. The motion was to commend the security agencies for their efforts in the rescue.

During the discussions, Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole added a warning to Governor Makinde. He cautioned against seeking an international investigation into the incident. The Senate agreed with this view.

On Monday, Governor Makinde asked relevant UN agencies and international bodies to look into the circumstances of the abduction. He made this request during a statewide broadcast after the military returned the rescued victims to the Oyo State Government.

The governor said the incident raised important questions that needed outside examination. He called on the international community to help understand what happened during the nearly two months the victims were held.

“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 to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

But the senators disagreed with Makinde's proposal. They said involving the UN could weaken Nigeria’s sovereignty and the work of local security agencies.

Channels Television reported that Oshiomhole accused the governor of playing politics with the country’s security issues. He argued that calling for a UN-backed investigation was an attempt to discredit Nigerian security forces.

The Senate urged Governor Makinde to let national authorities finish their investigations into the abduction and rescue of the pupils and teachers.

The lawmakers also held a minute’s silence for F. A. Isaac, a lieutenant; Silas Musa, a private; and Abena John Jerome, a sergeant. They were killed during the rescue operation. The Senate sent condolences to their families and the security agencies.

The Senate called on the federal government to quickly pay all benefits, insurance claims, and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers. They also asked for more investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, and personnel welfare to strengthen the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the kidnapped pupils and teachers were taken on 15 May from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. They regained their freedom on 10 July. The rescue operation involved a coordinated effort from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian police, the State Security Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes.