The Oyo State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent international investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Assembly said an international probe would help establish the facts surrounding the mass abduction, identify security lapses and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture to prevent similar attacks on schools.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, the House congratulated the state government and residents on the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists.
It argued that the increasing spate of mass school abductions across Nigeria requires broader international collaboration.
“Mass abduction of schoolchildren has become a disturbing pattern in Nigeria. If our collective efforts as a country have not been sufficient to end this menace, it is only appropriate to invite the relevant agency of the United Nations to investigate the unusual circumstances surrounding the Oyo State case and make recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence. Enough is enough,” the statement said.
Governor Makinde had, during a statewide broadcast on Monday after receiving the rescued victims in Ibadan, called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident warranted external scrutiny.
He had also alleged during a visit to Bauchi State on Friday that the attacks on Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his reported 2027 presidential ambition.
Responding to the Senate’s resolution cautioning the governor against seeking a United Nations-backed investigation, the Assembly insisted that Makinde’s position had been misunderstood.
According to the lawmakers, the governor’s request should be viewed as a patriotic call for greater transparency, accountability and international cooperation in tackling terrorism and the growing trend of mass school abductions.
The House noted that Makinde had consistently commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps and other security stakeholders for their coordinated efforts, which led to the successful rescue of the victims after weeks in captivity.
It stressed that the call for an independent international investigation was neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of the country’s security agencies.
“It is a responsible request aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, identifying possible security gaps and making recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence.
“Commending the efforts of our security agencies and seeking a transparent review of the incident are not mutually exclusive.”
The Assembly further argued that terrorism and attacks on schools have become transnational threats, making international cooperation essential to developing more effective counter-terrorism strategies.
It added that several democratic countries have subjected major security incidents to independent investigations without undermining their sovereignty or the professionalism of their security institutions.
According to the lawmakers, Makinde’s proposal is not about assigning blame but about ensuring that lessons from the Oriire abduction are translated into stronger measures to protect schoolchildren across the country.
While commending the Senate for recognising the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation, the Assembly also welcomed the upper chamber’s call for improved welfare, training, logistics and modern equipment for security agencies, as well as prompt payment of benefits to the families of fallen officers.
It maintained that those resolutions complement, rather than contradict, the governor’s call for an international investigation, as both are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to terrorism and kidnapping.
The House urged Nigerians, regardless of political, ethnic or religious affiliation, to support initiatives capable of improving national security, safeguarding schools and protecting children from future attacks.
It also commiserated with the families of the security personnel and the teacher who lost their lives during the incident, while expressing appreciation to security agencies, local security outfits, community volunteers, the media and all Nigerians whose contributions aided the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
