Senate, Oyo Assembly Clash Over Gov Makinde Demanding UN Probe Of Oyo Pupils’ Abductions
The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his demand for an independent investigation by the United Nations (UN) into the abduction and 56 days’ captivity of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.
The Senate resolved that Makinde’s statement could undermine ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies in tackling terrorism and kidnapping.
However, disagreeing with the Senate’s stance, the Oyo State House of Assembly backed the Governor’s demand for such a neutral international investigation.
According to the Oyo House, only a transparent probe could uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack and help prevent similar incidents across Nigeria.
THE SENATE OPPOSES GOVERNOR MAKINDE
The Senate’s warning formed part of resolutions adopted on Tuesday after lawmakers considered a Motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the successful rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers in Oriire, as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.
While commending the security agencies for securing the release of the victims, the Senate praised President Bola Tinubu for directing the Armed Forces and other security institutions to deploy all necessary resources to ensure their unconditional freedom after they were kidnapped by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.
According to lawmakers, the rescue mission lasted more than 50 days and culminated in the release of the victims on July 10, 2026. The operation also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised.
The Senate noted that the mission reflected the growing professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions involved in the operation.
However, lawmakers acknowledged that the success came at a significant cost. 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 lost their lives during the rescue mission. The Senate also recognised Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries while participating in the operation.
The chamber expressed sadness that one of the abducted teachers died while in captivity but described the rescue of the remaining victims as a major achievement that had restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities.
Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel.
The Upper Chamber further called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still held captive across the country.
The caution against Makinde was introduced by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
OYO LAWMAKERS WELCOME A UN PROBE
The Oyo lawmakers maintained that the Governor’s request for a UN-backed investigation should not be viewed as an attack on the Nigerian government or the country’s security agencies but as a necessary step towards strengthening Nigeria’s response to terrorism and the growing wave of mass kidnappings targeting schools.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in Ibadan, the State Assembly also celebrated the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers while extending condolences to the families of the military personnel and teachers who lost their lives.
The lawmakers argued that repeated attacks on schools across Nigeria had become a national emergency requiring broader international cooperation.
According to the State Assembly, Nigeria should not hesitate to seek assistance from relevant United Nations agencies if domestic efforts failed to eliminate the threat.
“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 read.
The lawmakers also defended Makinde against criticism following his call for an international investigation, saying his position had been widely misunderstood.
According to the Assembly, the Governor’s appeal was motivated by the need for greater transparency, accountability, and collaboration in tackling terrorism rather than an attempt to discredit ongoing security operations.
The House noted that Makinde had consistently praised President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps and other security organisations for their coordinated efforts that led to the release of the victims after weeks in captivity.
It stressed that recognising the achievements of security agencies does not prevent a thorough review of the incident.
“The call for an independent international investigation is neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of our gallant security agencies,” the House said.
“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 lawmakers also responded to the Senate resolution cautioning Makinde against inviting a UN-backed investigation, insisting that both positions ultimately sought to improve Nigeria’s security architecture.
Makinde had, in a state-wide broadcast on Monday after receiving the rescued victims in Ibadan, called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the abduction.
The state lawmakers pointed out that the Senate itself had called for improved welfare, training, logistics, modern equipment for security personnel, and prompt payment of benefits to the families of fallen officers.
According to the Assembly, those recommendations complemented Makinde’s proposal rather than contradicted it.
The lawmakers further argued that terrorism had evolved into a transnational security challenge, making international partnerships and independent reviews increasingly important.
They added that several democratic countries have subjected major security incidents to independent investigations without undermining national sovereignty or the professionalism of their security institutions.
The lawmakers maintained that the objective of the proposed investigation is not to assign blame but to identify lessons that could strengthen the protection of schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
