The Oyo State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, reaffirmed its support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
It maintained that an international probe remains necessary to establish the facts surrounding the mass abduction, strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and help prevent similar attacks on schools across the country.
The House, in a statement from the Office of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in Ibadan, the state capital, congratulated the government and the people of the state on the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in the local government.
It said, “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 PUNCH reports that Makinde had, in a broadcast after receiving the rescued victims in his office in Ibadan, on Monday, said that the circumstances surrounding the incident were sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny while he called on the United Nations and the International Human Rights Organisations to carry out an investigation.
Also, the governor had, on Friday, said in Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota were carried out by those who were opposed to his presidential ambition in 2027.
However, the House, in its statement, on Tuesday, also reacted to the Senate’s resolution cautioning Governor Makinde against seeking a United Nations-backed investigation, insisting that the governor’s position had been misconstrued.
The House said, “Governor Makinde’s call should not be misinterpreted, but rather it should be seen as a patriotic appeal for greater transparency, accountability and international collaboration in addressing the growing menace of terrorism and mass school abductions.
“The governor had consistently commended President Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps and other security stakeholders for their coordinated efforts that culminated in the successful rescue of the victims after weeks in captivity.
“The call for an independent international investigation is neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of our gallant 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.”
It further explained that terrorism and attacks on schools have assumed transnational dimensions, making international cooperation increasingly important in developing effective counter-terrorism strategies.
The House stressed that many democratic nations have subjected major security incidents to independent investigations without undermining the professionalism of their security institutions or their national sovereignty.
It stated that Makinde’s proposal was not about apportioning blame but about ensuring that every lesson from the Oriire abduction is fully understood and translated into stronger security measures capable of protecting innocent schoolchildren across Nigeria.
While commending the Senate for recognising the bravery and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security operatives involved in the rescue mission, the House also praised 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 personnel.
It, however, maintained that these resolutions complement, rather than contradict, Makinde’s call for an international investigation, noting that both are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
The House, therefore, called on Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations, to support every initiative capable of improving national security, safeguarding schools and protecting children from future attacks.
It also commiserated with the families of the security officers and the teacher who lost their lives during the tragic incident.
It equally expressed appreciation to the nation’s security agencies, local security outfits, community volunteers, the media and all Nigerians whose efforts and support contributed to the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
