The Presidency has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the request as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Makinde made the appeal on Monday while formally taking responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the rescued victims after they spent 56 days in captivity.
The governor argued that Nigerians deserve a full account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the rescue operation.
Presidency dismisses UN investigation request
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Nigeria’s security agencies had already explained how the victims regained their freedom.
According to him, the Presidency has no objection if the United Nations decides to examine the incident. However, he questioned the basis for Makinde’s request.
“The Governor has just expressed his opinion that the UN should probe this incident. Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained.”
Onanuga also argued that security personnel paid a heavy price during the rescue operation.
He noted that some soldiers and Amotekun operatives lost their lives while pursuing the abductors.
Furthermore, he described it as unthinkable that security agencies would deliberately allow children to remain in captivity for 56 days.
Onanuga accuses Makinde of politicising issue
The presidential spokesman alleged that Makinde’s position was influenced by politics because of his presidential ambition.
“It is just unfortunate that Mr Makinde, maybe because of politics, because he is a presidential candidate now, doesn’t have any trust in our own institutions.”
He added:
“The man is just playing politics, and it is the politics of the bizarre. He wants to weaponise anything available, including dredging up a strange conspiracy theory.”
Makinde defends call for independent scrutiny
Meanwhile, Makinde insisted that his request was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s institutions.
Instead, he said an independent investigation would strengthen public confidence and ensure accountability.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established.”
The governor also maintained that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what happened during the abduction.
According to him, investigators should determine whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
“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.”
Oyo assumes responsibility for rescued victims
Makinde announced that the Oyo State Government has formally taken responsibility for the rescued pupils and teachers.
He said the victims would receive medical care, psychological support and educational assistance until they fully recover.
The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu and the country’s security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He assured the affected families that the state government would continue to support them throughout the recovery process.
Opposition, Labour Party differ
Several opposition parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP), backed Makinde’s call for an independent investigation.
They argued that a thorough probe would establish the facts, ensure justice for the victims and strengthen public confidence.
However, the Labour Party opposed involving the United Nations.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said Nigeria’s security agencies should handle the investigation, adding that international involvement could raise concerns about the country’s sovereignty.
