Presidency, Makinde Clash Over Call For UN Probe Into Oyo Abduction

The Presidency has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of 45 pupils and teachers in the state, describing the demand as unnecessary and politically motivated.

 

Makinde had called for an independent probe after the victims, who spent 56 days in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, were rescued and handed over to the state government.

 

The governor said Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible failures or negligence that allowed the abduction to occur.

 

However, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the request showed a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

 

Onanuga said the military and other security agencies had already explained the rescue operation, adding that the government had no objection if Makinde believed there were unresolved issues.

 

“The Governor has just expressed his opinion that the UN should probe this incident. Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained,” he said.

 

The presidential spokesman accused Makinde, who is believed to have political ambitions ahead of the 2027 election, of allowing politics to influence the matter.

 

“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 stated.

 

Makinde, however, insisted that the call was not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence.

 

“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 governor said the state government had assumed responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the rescued pupils and teachers, promising medical, psychological and educational support.

 

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.

 

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, said the rescue operation involved the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun and other security formations.

 

He disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation, adding that pressure on the abductors’ networks eventually forced them to release the victims.

 

The Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, Mrs Rachael Alamu, who was among those rescued, said the victims endured severe hardship in captivity, including walking through forests and witnessing the killing of a teacher.

 

Meanwhile, some opposition parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress, APGA, SDP and YPP, have supported Makinde’s call for an independent investigation, saying it could help uncover the truth and prevent future attacks.

 

The Labour Party, however, opposed the move, arguing that Nigeria’s security agencies should handle the investigation.