Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations (UN) and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Nigerians deserve a full account of the incident and how it was resolved.
Makinde made the call on Monday while receiving the rescued pupils and teachers at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan after they were officially handed over to the state government by the Federal Government.
According to the governor, the circumstances surrounding the abduction were serious enough to warrant an independent international review beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions,” Makinde said.
He stressed that his request for international scrutiny was not aimed at discrediting Nigeria’s institutions but at strengthening public confidence and ensuring accountability.
“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,” he added.
The governor also reminded the Federal Government that national security remains its constitutional responsibility, calling for a transparent account of the events leading to the abduction and the rescue operation.
“The Nigerian people 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,” he said.
Makinde maintained that his position was driven by the need for justice and public confidence rather than politics.
“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,” the governor stated.
The rescued pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area and spent 56 days in captivity before they regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation.
After their rescue, the victims were admitted to the Military Hospital, Ibadan, where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support before being reunited with their families.
