The Oyo State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent United Nations investigation into the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that such a probe is crucial to preventing future attacks on schools.
The Assembly also congratulated the Oyo State Government and residents on the successful rescue of the victims, describing it as a major relief after weeks of uncertainty.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the lawmakers maintained that an international investigation would help uncover the facts surrounding the mass abduction, strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and prevent similar incidents across the country.
“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 statement said.
The Assembly also reacted to the Senate’s resolution cautioning Governor Makinde against seeking a UN-backed investigation, insisting that the governor’s position had been misunderstood.
According to the lawmakers, Makinde’s call should be seen as a patriotic appeal for transparency, accountability and international cooperation in tackling terrorism and mass school abductions rather than a criticism of the Federal Government or security agencies.
The House noted that the governor had consistently commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps and other security stakeholders for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue of the victims.
“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,” the Assembly stated.
The lawmakers argued that terrorism and attacks on schools have assumed transnational dimensions, making international collaboration essential in developing effective counter-terrorism strategies.
They added that several democratic nations have subjected major security incidents to independent investigations without undermining the credibility of their security institutions or national sovereignty.
The Assembly further stressed that Makinde’s proposal was aimed at learning vital lessons from the Oriire incident and translating them into stronger security measures to safeguard schoolchildren across the country.
While commending the Senate for recognising the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation, the House also praised the upper chamber’s call for improved welfare, training, logistics, modern equipment and prompt payment of benefits to families of fallen officers.
It, however, maintained that the Senate’s resolutions complement, rather than contradict, the governor’s request for an international investigation, as both seek to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
The Assembly urged Nigerians to support every genuine initiative aimed at improving national security, protecting schools and preventing future attacks on children.
It also sympathised with the families of the security personnel and the teacher who lost their lives during the rescue operation and appreciated security agencies, local vigilantes, community volunteers, the media and other Nigerians for their roles in securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
