“If My Father Had Been Killed by Kidnappers, I Would Never Have Been Born” — Makinde Explains Call for International Probe into Oriire Abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained that his call for an international investigation into the abduction and rescue of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area was intended to uncover the truth behind the incident and prevent a recurrence, not to undermine the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies.

The governor said his appeal to the international community, particularly the United Nations, was motivated by the need for an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure that every lesson is learnt.

“There is a little bit of a story to this. My own father actually taught in Ahoro Dada in 1959. Let’s assume he got kidnapped and was the one beheaded. I never would have been born. So, it was for this reason that I called on the international community to support an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Makinde said.

He stressed that the request for an international probe should not be misconstrued as a vote of no confidence in the country’s security agencies.

“That call was never about diminishing the efforts of our security agencies, whose sacrifices we acknowledge and appreciate. It was about ensuring that every lesson is learned and every question that deserves an answer is answered,” he added.

Makinde noted that although the safe rescue of the victims brought relief to their families and the state, it was important to establish the facts surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent similar occurrences.

“We remain grateful for the safe return of the victims, yet our duty did not end with their rescue. Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence,” the governor said.