Withdraw Call for UN Probe of Oriire School Abduction - Senate to Makinde

The Nigerian senate has asked Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to withdraw his demand for a United Nations (UN)-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso.

ADVERTISE HERE:
[email protected]

The senate warned that such comments could undermine the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in tackling insecurity.

The upper chamber issued the warning while adopting resolutions following a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.

Recall that Makinde had on Monday, while formally assuming responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the 45 rescued pupils and teachers, said Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

He explained that his call for an international investigation was aimed at ensuring accountability rather than discrediting Nigerian institutions.

However, during plenary, lawmakers cautioned the governor against making statements capable of undermining the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in combating terrorism and kidnapping.

Leading the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) criticised Makinde’s call for a United Nations probe, a position that was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East).

In its resolution, the Senate urged the governor to refrain from making statements capable of undermining the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country.

The Senate, however, commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for securing the release of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.

Lawmakers also praised President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the unconditional release of the victims, who were abducted by armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.

According to the Senate, the rescue operation, which culminated in the victims’ release on July 10, 2026, also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were killed.

The lawmakers noted that the operation demonstrated growing professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration among the security agencies involved.

The Senate also mourned the security personnel who lost their lives during the operation.

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 rescue mission.

The lawmakers further expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers in captivity but described the rescue of the remaining victims as a major achievement that had restored hope to Nigerians, especially parents and school communities.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of statutory 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 groups through the provision of modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence capabilities, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for security personnel.

The Senate called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.