Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking during a statewide broadcast on Monday after receiving the rescued pupils and their teachers at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde said the incident was grave enough to warrant independent scrutiny.
The governor stated that the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, 2026, raised serious questions that must be answered.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny,” Makinde said.
He explained that his call for a UN probe was not intended to undermine Nigerian institutions but to reinforce public confidence in the pursuit of justice.
“The Nigerian people deserve a full and transparent 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 an ordeal again,” the governor added.
Makinde stressed that under the Constitution, responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and its security agencies.
He however assured parents across Oyo State that his administration would continue to take all lawful steps to strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park to prevent future attacks.
The victims regained their freedom on July 10 following a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the military and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Two teachers, Mr. Joel Adesiyan and Deacon John Olaleye, lost their lives during the abduction and while in captivity.
Describing the issue as one of justice rather than politics, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that schools and communities across Oyo State remain safe for learning and habitation.
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