IBADAN — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations 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 the circumstances surrounding the incident require scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
Makinde made the appeal on Monday during the reception of the rescued pupils and teachers at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan after they were formally handed over to the state government by the Federal Government.
The governor said the nature of the kidnapping and the events surrounding the victims’ eventual rescue raised questions that deserved independent international examination to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution,” Makinde said.
“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.”
He stressed that his call for international scrutiny should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine Nigerian institutions but rather as a step towards strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. 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 stated.
Makinde also reminded the Federal Government that responsibility for safeguarding lives and property rests squarely with the federal authorities under Nigeria’s Constitution.
“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 said.
According to the governor, Nigerians deserve a comprehensive account of the abduction, including the identities of those responsible, whether there were institutional lapses or collusion, and the measures being put in place to prevent similar incidents.
“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,” he added.
Makinde dismissed suggestions that his position was politically motivated, insisting that the priority remained justice for the victims and restoring confidence in public safety.
“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,” he said.
The rescued pupils and teachers arrived at the Oyo State Secretariat on Monday after being handed over by the Federal Government, days after security agencies secured their freedom.
The victims were abducted by armed men from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, and spent more than 50 days in captivity before regaining their freedom.
Following the announcement of their rescue by the Federal Government on Friday, the victims were admitted to the Military Hospital in Ibadan, where they received medical care and psychosocial support.
Governor Makinde had visited the rescued pupils and teachers at the hospital on Saturday, while parents and relatives expressed relief over their release and looked forward to reuniting with their children.
