The Federal Government and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, have disagreed over the governor’s call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of 45 pupils and teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity.
While Makinde said an independent international investigation was necessary to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident and restore public confidence, the Presidency described the request as unnecessary and politically motivated.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
After their release, the pupils and teachers underwent medical checks and psychosocial support before they were formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Makinde announced that the state had taken responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the rescued victims.
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom but insisted that Nigerians deserved answers about how the abduction happened and the events surrounding the rescue.
He called on the United Nations and other international human rights organisations to examine the incident, stressing that the move was aimed at accountability rather than undermining Nigeria’s institutions.
“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 said.
He added that Nigerians deserved to know whether there were failures, negligence or possible collusion at any level that contributed to the incident.
Presidency Rejects Call
Reacting to the governor’s demand, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, questioned the need for an external investigation.
Onanuga said security agencies had already provided explanations about the rescue operation and argued that the military and other forces involved had demonstrated commitment by risking their lives during the mission.
He said some security personnel, including soldiers and Amotekun operatives, lost their lives while pursuing the abductors.
The presidential spokesman accused Makinde, who is believed to be interested in the 2027 presidential race, of allowing politics to influence his position.
“It is just unfortunate that Mr Makinde, maybe because of politics, because he is a presidential candidate now, doesn’t have any trust in our own institutions and is now calling on an external body to come and investigate,” Onanuga said.
He described the governor’s demand as unnecessary, arguing that there was no evidence that security agencies deliberately allowed the victims to suffer.
Army Explains Rescue Operation
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the rescue operation involved the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun, local vigilantes and other security formations.
According to him, troops tracked the abductors from the beginning but faced challenges due to the difficult forest terrain.
He said the operation focused on identifying those behind the abduction, cutting off their supply routes and disrupting their networks across several states.
Nnebeife disclosed that the mission came with casualties, with two soldiers killed and others injured during the operation.
He added that the final stage of the mission involved blocking the kidnappers’ logistics base in Ashamu, which eventually forced them to release the victims.
Victims Recall Ordeal
One of the rescued victims, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, Mrs Rachael Alamu, described their experience in captivity as traumatic.
She said the abductors moved them through forests at night and that the youngest children suffered the most during the ordeal.
Alamu revealed that one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the kidnappers as a warning to security agencies and the government.
She also expressed concerns about returning to work in rural communities after the experience.
Opposition Parties Support Probe
Several opposition parties backed Makinde’s call for an independent investigation.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Social Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party said a thorough probe could help uncover the truth, ensure justice for victims and prevent future attacks.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said those responsible must be identified and prosecuted.
YPP spokesman Wale Egbeola-Martins also said accountability and transparency were necessary to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
However, the Labour Party disagreed, saying the matter should be handled by Nigerian security agencies rather than involving the United Nations.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, argued that inviting international bodies could raise concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Alaafin Visits Victims
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, also visited the rescued pupils and teachers, commending security agencies for their efforts.
The monarch praised intelligence-led military operations and donated cash gifts to the victims.
He described the rescue as evidence of the commitment of security forces in tackling terrorism and kidnapping.
The rescued pupils and teachers are now expected to begin the next phase of recovery as the Oyo State Government provides medical care, psychological support and assistance towards their full reintegration.
