ABUJA – Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to publicly apologise to the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in the state, saying such a gesture would show empathy and leadership after the security breach.
Ibrahim, who is also the Chairman of the United Nations Fifth Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Matters, made the call while reacting to reports that Governor Makinde had urged the United Nations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.
While congratulating Nigerians on the successful rescue of the victims, the former senator said the governor should concentrate on supporting and rehabilitating the victims and their families instead of seeking international intervention.
“The United Nations does not interfere in the internal affairs of its member states. It is not an institution established to investigate domestic security incidents. Security within a country’s territory remains the responsibility of governments at all levels,” Ibrahim said in a statement issued by his media office in New York.
He maintained that the first responsibility of any government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens, adding that when such responsibility is breached, leaders should stand with the victims and acknowledge their pain.
“The first duty of government is the protection of lives and property. When that responsibility is challenged, leaders should identify with the victims, express genuine sympathy and provide the support necessary for their recovery,” he said.
Ibrahim described a public apology as a strong demonstration of compassion and accountability, especially in a case involving schoolchildren and teachers.
He also urged the Oyo State Government to provide adequate support for families of any teachers who may have lost their lives during the incident.
According to him, if the state requires additional financial assistance to rehabilitate the rescued children and affected families, it should make such needs public.
“Nigerians are compassionate people and will readily support initiatives aimed at giving the victims a better future,” he added.
The UN envoy further called on state governments across the country to strengthen security around schools and deepen collaboration with security agencies to prevent similar incidents.
He stressed that protecting educational institutions should remain a national priority, describing security as a collective responsibility of the federal, state and local governments.
The latest call comes amid renewed concerns over the rising wave of school abductions and attacks on educational institutions across parts of the country.
