Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
The governor made the call on Monday while receiving the rescued victims at his office in Ibadan.
Makinde described the circumstances surrounding the abduction as “sufficiently grave and unusual” to warrant scrutiny beyond domestic institutions.
“I, therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights organisations and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution,” he said.
He emphasised that the request was not meant to undermine local institutions but to reinforce public confidence and ensure 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,” Makinde added.
The pupils and teachers were rescued after 56 days in captivity through a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Police, and intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Reacting to the rescue, President Bola Tinubu commended the security agencies for their efforts, which led to the arrest of eight suspects and the neutralisation of others.
The Oyo State Government has pledged continued support for enhanced security around schools and communities to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the safety of students and educational institutions in parts of the country.
