Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Monday called on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA on May 15.
Makinde, who made the call in a broadcast after receiving the rescued pupils and their teachers in his office in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, noted that the “circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny”.
“I, therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights organisations and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution,” he said.
He emphasised that the request was not meant to undermine local institutions but to reinforce public confidence and ensure accountability.
“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear,” Makinde added.
The pupils and teachers were rescued after 56 days in captivity through a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Police, and intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Reacting to the rescue, President Bola Tinubu commended the security agencies for their efforts, which led to the arrest of eight suspects and the neutralisation of others.
The Oyo State Government has pledged continued support for enhanced security around schools and communities to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the safety of students and educational institutions in parts of the country.