By Adeyinka Adeniran
In an unprecedented move that shifts the narrative of the recent school abductions in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has bypassed conventional domestic channels to demand an international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the kidnap and rescue of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking on Monday during a state broadcast following the safe return of the abductees from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, Governor Makinde declared that the incident was too grave to be left solely to local investigators.
The Governor explicitly called on global bodies, including the United Nations, to step in and scrutinize the entire timeline of the crisis.
Makinde said, “The circumstances surrounding this incident 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’s demand for international oversight hints at deep-seated anxieties regarding the transparency of domestic security operations.
He emphasized that the foreign probe is not meant to undermine Nigerian institutions but rather to ensure that “every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable.”
The Governor openly challenged the federal security apparatus, noting that under the Nigerian Constitution, the primary responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government.
He insisted that the citizens deserve a transparent accounting of the security lapse, raising sharp questions about whether there was “negligence or collusion at any level.”
Further signaling a departure from standard protocol, Makinde announced that Oyo State would immediately assert control over access routes to the Old Oyo National Park.
While acknowledging that national parks are strictly under federal jurisdiction, the Governor stated that constitutional boundaries would no longer stop the state from protecting its citizens from cross-border banditry.
He noted that the state government plans to regulate movement through these corridors and establish strict border protocols to prevent criminal elements from using the park as an operational base.
While the broadcast was triggered by the immense relief of reuniting the kidnapped children and teachers with their families, the tone remained heavy with the memory of those who did not survive.
Makinde paid tribute to slain teachers Mr. Joel Adesiyan, Deacon John Olaleye, and Mr. Michael Oyedokun, alongside five security personnel who lost their lives during rescue operations.
Insisting that the return of the victims marks the beginning of a rigorous pursuit of the truth rather than the end of the crisis, Makinde reassured anxious parents across the state that his administration would not relent until justice is served, framing the fight as one for the soul of public safety and institutional integrity.
Makinde said, “Today, our hearts are filled with immense relief as the children and teachers abducted from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area have finally been reunited with their families.
“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.
“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. 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.
“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.
“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: Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Mr Adigun Saibu, Mr Isa Saliu, Mr Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed soldier.
We pray that Almighty God grants them eternal rest and gives strength and comfort to their families during this painful period.
“We also honour the courage of Mr Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries and is presently receiving treatment. We pray for his full and speedy recovery.
I thank the people of Oyo State for their patience, resilience and cooperation throughout these difficult weeks, especially those whose daily lives were disrupted by the security measures and curfews that became necessary in the interest of public safety.”
He said further, “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. 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. 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.
“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 powers to protect the people of Oyo State.
“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.
“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.
“Leadership is ultimately measured not only by how we respond to tragedy, but by whether we learn from it and build stronger institutions afterwards. That is the commitment we make to the people of Oyo State today.
“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.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions.”
The governor added, “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.
“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.
“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. 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
