Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for an independent investigation by the United Nations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as one that raises critical questions requiring international scrutiny.
The governor’s appeal comes after approximately 46 pupils and teachers, who were kidnapped by heavily armed gunmen on May 15, regained their freedom nearly two months later and were formally handed over by the military authorities on July 13.
The victims were abducted while attending school in Oriire Local Government Area, in one of the most disturbing attacks on educational institutions in recent times. During the assault, the gunmen reportedly killed two male teachers who attempted to protect the children, leaving families and residents in shock.
According to accounts from the released victims, they endured harrowing conditions throughout their captivity. The abductees said they were repeatedly blindfolded, chained and subjected to severe beatings while being forced to trek long distances through dense forests. The traumatic experience has left many of the children and teachers requiring urgent medical attention and psychological support.
Speaking after receiving the victims, Governor Makinde praised the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, security agencies and all those who contributed to securing their release. He expressed gratitude that the pupils and teachers had returned alive despite the difficult conditions they endured during the prolonged captivity.
However, the governor maintained that the circumstances surrounding the incident warrant a broader investigation beyond the rescue operation. He argued that several unanswered questions remain regarding the planning of the attack, the movement of the abductors and the events leading to the eventual release of the victims.
Makinde therefore urged the United Nations and other international bodies concerned with the protection of children and education to examine the incident independently, insisting that a transparent inquiry would help strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar attacks on schools across Nigeria.
The governor noted that attacks on educational institutions continue to threaten learning, undermine public confidence and expose thousands of children to unnecessary danger. He stressed that safeguarding schools should remain a national and international priority.
The call for a United Nations investigation has, however, generated mixed reactions within political and security circles. Some officials at the federal level criticised Makinde’s remarks, describing them as unnecessary and inconsistent with the responsibilities of a state governor. They argued that Nigeria possesses capable security institutions and investigative agencies that can examine the incident without external intervention.
Despite the criticism, the Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the victims and their families as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. Authorities said arrangements have been made to provide counselling services, medical care and other forms of psychosocial support to help the children and teachers recover from the trauma they experienced during their captivity.
Education stakeholders and child rights advocates have also renewed calls for stronger security around schools, urging governments at all levels to implement comprehensive strategies that will protect pupils, teachers and educational facilities from criminal attacks.
As investigations continue and public debate over the governor’s proposal intensifies, many Nigerians hope that the painful ordeal of the rescued pupils and teachers will lead to renewed efforts to improve school security and ensure that learning environments remain safe for every child across the country.
