The Presidency has condemned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers, describing it as politically motivated and unnecessary.
On Monday, Governor Makinde formally took responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation, and education of 45 teachers and pupils who were rescued after spending 56 days in captivity. During the handover, he urged for a UN-backed probe, insisting Nigerians deserve a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Armed bandits attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, on May 15, 2026, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.
Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Makinde’s request implied a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions. He pointed out that the military and other security agencies had already provided explanations regarding the rescue.
Speaking to Gidipoint, Onanuga stated that while the Presidency had no objection to international scrutiny, the reasons behind Makinde’s call were questionable. The Governor has just expressed his opinion.
If he thinks the UN should come, our doors are open, he said. He stressed that security agencies had no reason to prolong the victims’ captivity and highlighted the sacrifices made by security personnel, including lives lost during the operation.
Onanuga further accused Makinde who is also a presidential aspirant—of politicizing the matter. It is unfortunate that Mr. Makinde, perhaps because of politics, appears to lack faith in our institutions, he said, labeling the governor’s call as unwarranted and absolutely unnecessary.
Makinde, in a video shared by Oyo Affairs, reiterated his appeal for international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate, arguing that the gravity and unusual nature of the incident warranted independent scrutiny. He clarified that his call was not intended to discredit Nigerian institutions, but to ensure accountability and strengthen public trust.
The Nigerian people deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, and whether there were institutional failures, negligence, or collusion, Makinde said.
He also reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility for national security and insisted his demand was not politically driven. “This 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 added.
Victims’ Welfare
Governor Makinde announced that Oyo State would fully support the rescued teachers and pupils, providing medical, psychological, and educational aid until their recovery. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their roles in securing the victims’ release.
Describing the abduction as unprecedented, Makinde pledged ongoing support to the victims, noting that they would remain under medical observation before returning to their families. He assured that the state government would work with the privately owned school to prevent disruptions to the teachers’ careers and pupils’ education.
The handover took place at the Government House in Ibadan, after which the victims were transferred to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, for further evaluation—a moment that sparked celebrations in the community.
Army Details Rescue Operation
Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, highlighted the complexity of the rescue, which involved the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun, local vigilantes, and other agencies. He explained that ground troops were deployed after aerial surveillance was hampered by the forest’s density.
The operation, he noted, came at a high cost: two soldiers were killed, others wounded, and a mathematics teacher was murdered by the abductors to deter security efforts. The final phase involved cutting off the kidnappers’ logistics base, ultimately forcing them to release the hostages unconditionally. Nnebeife emphasized that the security forces remain committed to eradicating terrorism in the region.
Abductees Share Their Ordeal
Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, recounted their harrowing experience: long treks at night, cramped travel by bicycle and motorcycle, and constant fear. She described how the youngest children endured the worst beatings and expressed doubts about returning to work in rural areas after the trauma.
Political Reactions
Four opposition parties—the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Young Progressives Party (YPP)—supported Makinde’s call for a UN-led probe. They argued that an independent investigation would help establish the facts, deliver justice, and restore public confidence.
NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said, “Whenever a crime is committed, there should be a thorough investigation so those found culpable can face the full wrath of the law.” APGA and SDP representatives echoed similar sentiments, while YPP’s Wale Egbeola-Martins emphasized the need for transparency and accountability.
However, Labour Party spokesman Ken Asogwa opposed Makinde’s call, insisting that investigations should remain within Nigeria’s security agencies to avoid sovereignty concerns. He urged Makinde to provide any additional information he might have to the authorities for a thorough domestic investigation.
Alaafin Visits Victims
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, visited the rescued victims and commended the military and security agencies for their efforts. He praised their intelligence-led operations and offered cash donations to the victims, while also acknowledging the support of other traditional rulers in securing the hostages’ release.
The PUNCH Report.
