‘Nigerians Deserve Full Transparency’, Makinde Seeks UN Probe Into Oyo School Abduction

• Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and international human rights bodies to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, insisting Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what happened.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations (UN) and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area.

The governor made the appeal on Monday after the rescued pupils and teachers were formally handed over to the Oyo State Government by the Federal Government following their release from captivity.

Speaking in a video shared after the handover, Makinde described the incident as grave and unusual, saying it deserved independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions,” the governor said.

Makinde stressed that his request for an international investigation was not aimed at undermining Nigerian institutions but at ensuring transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the outcome of the investigation.

“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 everyone found responsible, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable,” he added.

The governor also reminded the Federal Government that the responsibility for national security rests with it under the Nigerian Constitution, urging authorities to provide Nigerians with a comprehensive account of the abduction and rescue operation.

According to him, the public deserves to know who was responsible for the attack, whether there were any institutional failures, negligence, or collusion, and what steps would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Makinde insisted that his demand was driven by justice rather than politics.

“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,” he said.

The rescued pupils and teachers arrived at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan on Monday after being handed over by the Federal Government.

The victims were abducted by gunmen from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, and spent more than 50 days in captivity before security agencies secured their release.

Following the rescue, they were admitted to the Military Hospital in Ibadan, where they received medical treatment and psychosocial support before being reunited with the Oyo State Government and their families.