Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, on Monday called on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction, on May 15, of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA of the state.
Makinde, who spoke in a broadcast after receiving the rescued pupils and their teachers in his office in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, said the circumstances surrounding this incident were sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions.
Makinde said: “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.
“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.
According to the governor, the responsibility for national security rests with the federal government and the security agencies under its control, in line with the Nigerian Constitution.
He said Nigerians deserve a full and transparent account of the incident, including who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and the steps being taken to prevent a reoccurrence.
“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 pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution puts the responsibility for security of lives and property on the federal government and the security agencies, which it controls.
Insisting that Nigerians deserve a full and transparent account of the incident, Makinde said there was need to know who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and the steps being taken to prevent a reoccurrence.
“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 and 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.”
Spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga announced on Friday, July 10, that the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, regained their freedom.
The pupils and their teachers were abducted by gunmen who held them in captitivity for about 56 days before they were rescued by Nigeria’s security agencies.
Although one of the teachers was beheaded by the gunmen, all the kidnapped victims were rescued without physical harm.
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