Oyo Abduction: Presidency Slams Makinde Over UN Probe Demand

The Presidency has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing the request as unnecessary, politically motivated and a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

Makinde made the appeal on Monday while formally assuming responsibility for the rehabilitation and welfare of the 45 rescued pupils and teachers who spent 56 days in captivity after being abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The governor argued that Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and its eventual resolution. He maintained that an independent international investigation would strengthen public confidence and ensure accountability.

Reacting, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Federal Government had no objection to any international scrutiny but insisted that the military and security agencies had already explained the rescue operation.

According to him, the governor’s request suggested a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.

Onanuga dismissed allegations of foul play, stressing that security personnel lost their lives while rescuing the victims and had no reason to deliberately expose children to such trauma.

He accused Makinde, a presidential aspirant, of politicising the incident, describing the call for a UN investigation as “unwarranted” and “absolutely unnecessary.”

The Presidency maintained that the rescue followed weeks of coordinated operations involving the military, the Department of State Services, the police, Amotekun and local vigilantes.

Meanwhile, opposition parties including the Nigeria Democratic Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Social Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party backed Makinde’s demand, saying an independent probe would help establish the truth and ensure justice for the victims.

However, the Labour Party disagreed, insisting that the investigation should remain within the jurisdiction of Nigerian security agencies.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, disclosed that the rescue operation claimed the lives of two soldiers while others sustained injuries during the mission.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, also visited the rescued pupils and teachers, commending the military and other security agencies for their efforts while donating cash support to the victims as they continue medical treatment and rehabilitation.