The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of 39 pupils and six teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, warning that such a move could undermine the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies.
The warning came during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers considered a motion on the successful rescue of the victims, who spent 56 days in captivity. The motion was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
The upper chamber commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security outfits for securing the release of the victims without paying ransom.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, criticised Makinde’s request, describing it as unnecessary and politically driven.
According to him, Nigeria remains a sovereign nation capable of investigating its own security challenges.
He argued that the rescue operation demonstrated the professionalism of the military and other security agencies, especially as some personnel lost their lives during the mission.
Oshiomhole said the governor’s remarks appeared to diminish the sacrifices made by the security forces and questioned the country's ability to handle its internal affairs.
His position received support from Senator Aniekan Bassey, who seconded the call for the Senate to condemn statements capable of undermining ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
The Senate eventually resolved to urge Governor Makinde to avoid comments that could weaken public confidence in the Federal Government’s fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Lawmakers also paid tribute to security personnel who died during the rescue operation, including Lt. F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, while recognising Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the mission.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt payment of benefits to the families of the fallen officers and called for improved welfare, training, logistics and modern equipment for security agencies.
It also encouraged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also criticised Makinde's position, saying President Tinubu was focused on securing the release of the victims rather than engaging in public displays.
Speaking in Abuja, Akume said the rescue operation reflected the President’s commitment to protecting lives through intelligence-driven security operations.
He stressed that terrorism and kidnapping required strategic security responses rather than political rhetoric.
According to him, what mattered most was the safe return of the abducted children and teachers, not whether the President made phone calls during the crisis.
Akume described Tinubu as a leader whose administration prioritises action over words and said the successful rescue was proof of that approach.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also condemned Makinde’s call for a UN investigation, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated.
The party argued that the governor’s comments reflected poor judgment and accused him of politicising a sensitive security issue.
It maintained that Nigeria has institutions capable of handling such investigations and insisted that international intervention was not needed.
However, the Oyo State House of Assembly defended the governor, insisting that his request had been misunderstood.
The Assembly said Makinde’s proposal was not aimed at discrediting the Federal Government or the security agencies but at ensuring transparency, accountability and improved strategies for tackling future attacks on schools.
According to the lawmakers, terrorism has become a global challenge, making international collaboration necessary in developing stronger security measures.
They added that several democratic nations have allowed independent investigations into major security incidents without compromising their sovereignty.
The Assembly maintained that Governor Makinde had consistently praised President Tinubu and the security agencies for securing the release of the victims and insisted that seeking an international review did not contradict those commendations.
It called on Nigerians to support every genuine effort capable of strengthening national security and preventing similar incidents in the future.
