Makinde seeks UN probe into Oriire kidnapping, confirms eight killed in rescue effort

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday called for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area, saying an independent inquiry is needed to establish accountability as he disclosed that three teachers and five security operatives were killed during efforts to secure the victims’ release.

In a state broadcast following the safe return of the Oriire abductees, Makinde stated that “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.

While saying that detailed implementation guidelines will be announced shortly, the governor noted that “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.

“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.

“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.

While saying that leadership is ultimately measured not only by how we respond to tragedy but also by whether we learn from it and build stronger institutions afterwards, he stated that “is the commitment we make to the people of Oyo State today.”

“So, 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. 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.

According to him, 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.

“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 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.

“My dear good people of Oyo State, 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.