Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for an independent international investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, urging the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the 56-day hostage ordeal.
The governor made the call on Monday during a statewide broadcast, shortly after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued victims to the Oyo State Government following their release.
Makinde said the successful rescue of the victims should not bring an end to efforts to uncover the full details of the incident, describing the abduction as serious enough to warrant scrutiny beyond Nigeria's domestic institutions.
"The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility, and our collective responsibility to establish the truth," the governor said.
He called on "international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system," to closely examine the facts surrounding both the abduction and the circumstances that led to the victims' release.
According to Makinde, international scrutiny would reinforce public confidence in Nigeria's institutions rather than undermine them.
"Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. 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 under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he said.
The governor stressed that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what transpired during the 56 days the pupils and teachers spent in captivity.
"The Nigerian people 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," Makinde stated.
He maintained that the demand for accountability was not politically motivated but aimed at securing justice for the victims and restoring confidence in the country's security system.
"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," he added.
Makinde also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the abduction and rescue operation, including teachers Joel Adesiyan, John-Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun, whose killings were captured in a video released by the kidnappers. He also honoured soldiers, hunters and Amotekun personnel who died during efforts to rescue the victims.
While celebrating the victims' return, the governor warned that the threat posed by criminal groups had not ended. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
"Security is everyone's responsibility," he said, encouraging residents to make use of the state's emergency response lines whenever necessary.
To strengthen security, Makinde announced plans to tighten surveillance around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, which investigators believe served as a hideout for the kidnappers.
He said the state government would strengthen monitoring of access routes into and out of the park, improve intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and introduce measures to prevent criminal groups from exploiting border communities.
The victims—39 pupils and teachers—were abducted on May 15 after gunmen attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike over insecurity in schools.
The victims were rescued on July 10 through a joint operation involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, the Amotekun Corps, hunters and local vigilantes before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday.
