Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability mechanisms to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the circumstances surrounding the 56-day ordeal as "sufficiently grave and unusual" to warrant independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria's domestic institutions. The governor made the call on Monday, 13 July 2026, during a statewide broadcast following the formal handover of the rescued victims by the Nigerian military at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan.
Makinde insisted that his demand for an international probe was not intended to undermine Nigeria's institutions but to reinforce public confidence that the truth would emerge and that anyone found culpable, regardless of status or affiliation, would be held accountable. He stressed that the reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter, but the beginning of another responsibility: the collective responsibility to establish the truth. The governor stressed that Nigerians deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, including whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level. He emphasised that this is not about politics, but about justice for the victims, reassurance for the people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear.
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on 15 May 2026 when armed terrorists attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area. They were rescued on Friday, 10 July 2026, after 56 days in captivity, following a coordinated operation involving the military, the police, and intelligence from the Department of State Services. During the ordeal, three teachers lost their lives: Mr Joel Adesiyan, who was killed during the initial attack on the school premises; Deacon John Olaleye, who was executed by the kidnappers on the first Sunday of June; and Mr Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher whose gruesome killing was recorded in a video that shocked many Nigerians. The governor also paid tribute to security personnel who died during the rescue mission, including Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Adigun Saibu, Isa Saliu, Rafiu Ayuba, and an unnamed soldier. He also acknowledged Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the operation and is currently receiving treatment.
Makinde announced that the state government would immediately strengthen surveillance and regulate movement along access routes into and out of the Old Oyo National Park to prevent criminal groups from exploiting the area as a hideout. He acknowledged that national parks fall under federal jurisdiction but insisted that the arrangement would not prevent his administration from deploying every lawful measure within its powers to safeguard lives and property.
However, the Presidency has criticised Makinde's call for a UN probe, describing it as unnecessary and politically motivated. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the governor's request suggested a lack of confidence in Nigeria's security institutions. He insisted that the military and security agencies had already provided explanations on the rescue operation, adding that the rescue came at a cost, with security personnel losing their lives.
The governor's call for international scrutiny has divided public opinion, with some Nigerians applauding his demand for transparency while others, including the Presidency, viewing it as an unnecessary politicisation of a national security matter. For the families of the rescued victims, however, the focus remains on healing and rebuilding their lives. The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support, while the Oyo State Government has pledged continued support for enhanced security around schools and communities to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
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