By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Following the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawata communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international accountability mechanisms to investigate the abduction and the circumstances surrounding its resolution.
The governor made the call in a statewide broadcast on Monday after the victims were handed over to the state government by the military.
He said the incident was grave enough to require independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions, insisting that such an investigation would help establish the truth and restore public confidence.
“I 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,” he said.
Makinde noted that the review was necessary to determine whether there were failures, negligence or other factors that contributed to the tragedy.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions; rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and every person found responsible will be held accountable.”
He stressed that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of the incident, noting that the Federal Government bears the constitutional responsibility for national security and must explain what happened.
“This is not about politics, the Nigerian people deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures or negligence, and what measures must now be taken to ensure no community suffers such an ordeal again,” the added.
While celebrating the victims’ reunion with their families, Makinde said the state remained in mourning over those killed during the incident.
“We mourn the lives of teachers Joel Adeshina, who was killed on the day of the abduction, Deacon John Olaleye, who died in captivity, and Michael Oyedokun, who was brutally murdered by the abductors”.
The governor also paid tribute to security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who died during the operation.
“We will never forget Lt. F. A. Isaac, Adegun Shuaibo, Isa Saliu, Raphael Ayuba and an unnamed soldier, who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“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,” he also said.
To boost security near the Old Oyo National Park, Makinde announced tighter monitoring of access routes and enhanced intelligence sharing between security agencies and local communities.
“The Oyo State Government will immediately strengthen oversight of all access routes leading into and out of the Old Oyo National Park through our adjoining local government areas.”
The governor urged residents not to relax their vigilance despite the victims’ release, warning that criminal groups could attempt similar attacks if communities let down their guard.
“The threat posed by criminal elements has not disappeared. Security is everyone’s responsibility. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately.”
Makinde assured residents that his administration would continue supporting lawful efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture, protect lives and ensure everyone responsible for the abduction is brought to justice.
Persecondnews recalls that the pupils and teachers were abducted by gunmen during coordinated attacks on three schools in Haoro, Eshinle and Yawata communities on May 15, before security forces rescued them 56 days later.
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