Senate Urges Makinde to Withdraw Call for UN Probe of Oyo School Abduction

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The Senate on Tuesday called on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to withdraw his request for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and subsequent rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The resolution was adopted during plenary following a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and supported by 108 senators, which commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for securing the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity.

An additional prayer moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) urged Governor Makinde to discontinue what he described as attempts to “trivialise” the successful rescue operation by seeking an international investigation.

Oshiomhole argued that the governor’s demand was inappropriate and politically motivated.

“The call for a United Nations investigation is not statesmanly and amounts to politics taken too far,” Oshiomhole said.

The motion was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) and approved by the Senate through a voice vote presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Earlier, Governor Makinde had appealed to the UN and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction and the eventual rescue of the victims, saying such an inquiry would strengthen public confidence and ensure accountability.

During the debate, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), whose constituency covers the affected area, thanked the Federal Government and the military for their efforts.

“We thank the military for a job well done. On behalf of my people, we appreciate the Federal Government for bringing our children back safely,” he said.

Several lawmakers also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue other victims still being held by kidnappers across the country.

Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged the military to extend the same determination to children still in captivity, particularly in Borno State.

“There are other schoolchildren still in captivity. Our armed forces should double their efforts to ensure they are also rescued,” Aliero said.

Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) described the rescue as a major boost to public confidence in the country’s security agencies.

“This is the kind of news Nigerians want to hear. What once seemed impossible is now achievable,” Umeh stated.

The Senate also commended President Tinubu for what it described as his decisive leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, while praising the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and other security personnel involved in the operation.

Lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of military personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission and urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt payment of benefits and adequate welfare for the families of fallen officers.

The Senate further called for sustained military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits through improved intelligence, better equipment, enhanced logistics and stronger support for security personnel, while encouraging Nigerians to continue providing useful information to security agencies.