Oyo Abduction: Senate Cautions Makinde Over Call for UN Probe
The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, warning that such remarks could undermine ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to combat terrorism and kidnapping.
Makinde, while formally assuming responsibility on Monday for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the 45 rescued teachers and pupils who spent 56 days in captivity, said Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident. He explained that his call for an international investigation was intended to promote accountability rather than discredit Nigerian institutions.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, kidnapping 39 pupils and six teachers.
The Senate’s caution followed deliberations at Tuesday’s plenary on a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of the victims and the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.
The Red Chamber commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for securing the release of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity. It also praised President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the unconditional release of those abducted.
According to the Senate, the rescue operation, which culminated in the victims’ release on July 10, 2026, led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were killed. Lawmakers said the operation reflected the growing professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration among the country’s security agencies.
The Senate, however, mourned the security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission. It identified the deceased as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force. It also recognised Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the operation.
Lawmakers also expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity but described the successful rescue of the remaining victims as a significant achievement that had restored hope among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements to the families of the fallen security personnel. It also called for improved welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity for members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence capabilities, better logistics and improved welfare packages for security personnel.
They also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, cautioned Governor Makinde over his call for a United Nations investigation into the abduction. The position was supported by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
In its resolution, the Senate urged the Oyo State governor to refrain from making statements capable of undermining the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country.