Makinde Urges UN To Probe Circumstances Surrounding Oyo Schoolchildren’s Abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The governor made the appeal on Monday during a statewide broadcast shortly after receiving the rescued victims at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

Naijapunchnews reports that the schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, before regaining their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.

Their rescue followed a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and intelligence support from the Department of State Services (DSS).

While expressing gratitude for the safe return of the victims, Makinde said several questions surrounding the incident and its resolution required independent scrutiny.

According to him, the seriousness of the abduction and the circumstances under which it occurred warrant international attention to ensure that the full facts are established and accountability is upheld.

The governor stressed that his call for an international investigation was not aimed at discrediting Nigeria’s security institutions but rather at strengthening public confidence through transparency.

“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,” Makinde said.

He added:

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

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of residents and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers has been widely welcomed across the country, with many Nigerians commending the security agencies involved while also calling for a full account of how the operation was carried out and those responsible for the abduction to be brought to justice.