Oyo School Abduction: Makinde Demands UN Probe, Says Nigerians Deserve Full Truth On Oriire Attack, Institutional Failures, Possible Collusion

Ibadan, Oyo State — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations and international human rights and accountability organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawata communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said the Nigerian people deserve “a full and transparent account” of the incident, including whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion by any individuals or agencies, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.

Makinde made the call on Monday during a statewide broadcast monitored by Afirka  Eyes shortly after the abducted victims were reunited with their families following weeks in captivity.

The governor described the reunion as a moment of immense relief but said the joy was overshadowed by the tragic loss of teachers, security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who died during the rescue efforts and while in captivity.

Addressing residents of the state, Makinde said, “My dear good people of Oyo State, today our hearts are filled with immense relief as the children and teachers abducted from the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawata communities in Oriire Local Government Area have finally been reunited with their family. For every parent who endured weeks of uncertainty, every child who lived through this traumatic experience and every citizen who prayed and hoped for their safe return, this is indeed a moment of thanksgiving.”

He, however, noted that the celebration could not erase the pain caused by the incident.

“Yet, even as we rejoice, our relief is tempered by profound sorrow. We mourn the tragic loss of lives in the course of this unfortunate incident.”

The governor paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the crisis, identifying two teachers who died under different circumstances.

“Among them were two dedicated teachers, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises, and Deacon John Olaleye, who died while in captivity.”

Makinde also referred to the widely circulated execution video that shocked Nigerians.

“Many Nigerians witnessed the horrifying video showing the brutal murder of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a dedicated teacher whose life was cruelly cut short by these terrorists.”

The governor further honoured security personnel and local operatives who died while attempting to rescue the victims.

“We will never forget security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

He listed the fallen heroes as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Mr. Adegun Shuaibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba, and an unnamed soldier, praying that God grants them eternal rest while comforting their bereaved families.

Makinde also acknowledged the sacrifice of Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the operation.

“We also honor the courage of Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries and is presently receiving treatment. We pray for his full and speedy recovery.”

The governor expressed gratitude to residents of Oyo State for their patience, resilience and cooperation throughout the security operation, particularly those affected by restrictions imposed during the rescue mission.

“I thank the people of Oyo State for their patience, resilience and cooperation throughout this difficult week, especially those whose daily lives were disrupted by the security measures and curfews that became necessary in the interest of public safety.”

Makinde warned that despite the successful rescue of the victims, the threat posed by terrorists and bandits remained.

“While we give thanks today, we must also remain vigilant. The threat posed by criminal elements has not disappeared. Experience from other parts of our country has shown that terrorist and bandit groups often seek to strike again where they perceive vulnerability.”

He urged residents to remain alert and immediately report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“We must therefore not allow this moment of relief to become a moment of complacency. Security is everyone’s responsibility. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately to the appropriate security agencies.”

The governor reminded residents that they could also report emergencies through the state’s toll-free emergency number.

“You may also call 615, Oyo State’s toll-free emergency line for security and other emergencies. The vigilance of our communities remains one of our greatest strengths.”

Makinde announced that his administration would immediately tighten security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, which he noted falls under the constitutional control of the Federal Government.

According to him, while the national park is under federal jurisdiction, the constitutional arrangement does not prevent the state government from taking lawful steps to safeguard its residents.

“This painful experience has also compelled us to rethink how we secure communities that border the Old Oyo National Park.”

“Under our Constitution, national parks fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, and we respect that constitutional arrangement. However, constitutional limits do not diminish our responsibility to do everything within our lawful power to protect the people of Oyo State.”

He disclosed that the government would immediately strengthen oversight of all access routes leading into and out of the national park through adjoining local government areas.

“Accordingly, the Oyo State Government will immediately strengthen oversight of all access routes leading into and out of the Old Oyo National Park through our adjoining local government areas.”

Makinde said the government would regulate movement through the corridors, improve intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and establish protocols that would prevent criminal elements from using border communities as operational bases or escape routes.

“We shall introduce appropriate measures to regulate movement through these corridors, improve community intelligence, strengthen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and establish clear protocols that make it more difficult for criminal elements to exploit our border communities as safe passage or operational bases. Detailed implementation guidelines will be announced shortly.”

He added that true leadership is measured by how governments respond to crises and whether they emerge stronger afterward.

“Leadership is ultimately measured not only by how we respond to tragedy, but by whether we learn from it and build stronger institutions afterward. That is the commitment we make to the people of Oyo State today.”

Makinde stressed that the return of the victims should not signal the end of public concern over the incident but the beginning of efforts to uncover the truth behind the abduction.

“The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility, our collective responsibility to establish the truth.”

Calling for an international investigation, the governor said the gravity of the incident warranted independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

“The circumstances surrounding these incidents are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions.”

“I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.”

Makinde maintained that his request was not an attack on Nigerian institutions but an effort to reinforce public confidence in the justice process.

“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable.”

The governor reminded Nigerians that the Constitution places responsibility for national security on the Federal Government and its security agencies.

“Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primary responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its command.”

He insisted that Nigerians deserve complete transparency regarding the abduction.

“The Nigerian people, therefore, deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence, or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again.”

Makinde rejected any attempt to politicise his demand for accountability.

“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear.”

Reassuring parents across the state, he pledged that his administration would continue to prioritise the safety of schools and communities.

“To every parent across Oyo State, let me assure you that your government has heard your fears. We will not relent until every lawful step has been taken to make our schools and communities safer for our children.”

He added, “As the Government of Oyo State, we will continue to support every lawful effort that strengthens our security architecture, protects our people, and brings every person responsible for this tragedy to justice.

“May Almighty God continue to watch over us. God bless Oyo State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”