Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the incident warrants scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
The governor made the call in a video shared by Oyo Affairs on Monday following the arrival of the rescued pupils and teachers at the Oyo State Secretariat after their handover by the Federal Government.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution.
“I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, 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,” Makinde said.
He explained that the call for international scrutiny was aimed at ensuring accountability rather than discrediting Nigerian institutions.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable,” the governor said.
Makinde also reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility for national security.
“Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primary responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its command,” he said.
According to him, Nigerians deserve a full account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and its resolution.
“The Nigerian people, therefore, deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again.
Insisting that his demand was not politically motivated, Makinde added, “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,” Makinde said.
The rescued pupils and teachers arrived at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan on Monday after being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government by the Federal Government.
The victims were abducted by gunmen from Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, and spent more than 50 days in captivity before security agencies secured their release.
The Federal Government announced their rescue on Friday, after which the victims were admitted to the Military Hospital in Ibadan for medical treatment and psychosocial support.
Makinde visited the rescued pupils and teachers at the hospital on Saturday before Monday’s handover, while parents of the victims had earlier expressed relief and anticipation over reuniting with their children.
