By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The Oyo State House of Assembly has congratulated the government and residents of the state on the rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area, while doubling down on its support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s request for an independent international inquiry into the incident.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the office of the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, the assembly argued that an international probe is vital to uncovering the truth behind the mass abduction, bolstering Nigeria’s security framework, and averting future attacks on educational institutions.
The assembly described the recurring abduction of students as a “disturbing pattern” that requires urgent, unconventional intervention.
“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 assembly’s position comes on the heels of a Senate resolution that recently cautioned Governor Makinde against seeking United Nations involvement in the matter. The lawmakers argued that the governor’s request has been “misconstrued.”
According to the assembly, Mr. Makinde’s proposal is a “patriotic appeal” for transparency, accountability, and international synergy to combat the rising tide of terrorism and kidnapping, rather than an attempt to undermine national sovereignty.
The legislators noted that the governor has repeatedly praised President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Amotekun Corps for the coordinated operations that secured the victims’ release 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,” the assembly stated. “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 state lawmakers further argued that because terrorism against schools has assumed transnational dimensions, international collaboration is essential to refining counter-terrorism strategies. They pointed out that many democratic nations routinely subject major security breaches to independent reviews without compromising the integrity of their security institutions.
The assembly emphasized that the governor’s initiative is not meant to apportion blame, but to ensure that the lessons from the Oriire abduction are translated into robust security measures to protect schoolchildren across the country.
While acknowledging the Senate’s call for improved welfare, better training, and upgraded logistics for security operatives—as well as prompt payment of benefits to the families of fallen personnel—the assembly maintained that these measures complement the governor’s call for an international probe rather than contradict it.
The assembly concluded by commiserating with the families of the security officers and the teacher who lost their lives during the rescue operation.
It further extended its appreciation to the security agencies, local security networks, community volunteers, and the media for their roles in the successful rescue mission, while calling on Nigerians to set aside political and ethnic affiliations to support initiatives aimed at securing the nation’s schools.
