Governor seeks international scrutiny after rescued pupils and teachers return from more than 50 days in captivity

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 raises questions that deserve independent examination beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

Also read: Makinde Vows Safe Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils

The appeal came on Monday after the rescued pupils and teachers arrived at the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan following their formal handover to the state government by the Federal Government.

The Makinde UN probe call follows the victims’ release after spending 56 days in captivity, having been abducted by gunmen on May 15, 2026.

In a video shared by Oyo Affairs, the governor said the nature of the incident justified international scrutiny to establish the full facts surrounding both the abduction and the rescue operation.

“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.

The governor stressed that his request was intended to strengthen public confidence in the investigative process rather than undermine 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,” he added.

Makinde also reminded the Federal Government that responsibility for national security rests with the central authorities under Nigeria’s Constitution.

“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 the governor, Nigerians deserve a transparent explanation of the events surrounding the kidnapping, including whether any institutional failures or acts of negligence contributed to the incident.

“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,” he said.

Rejecting suggestions that his position was politically motivated, Makinde insisted that the priority should remain justice for the victims and restoring confidence in public safety.

“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,” the governor stated.

The rescued pupils and teachers were formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday after receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support at the Military Hospital, Ibadan.

The Federal Government had announced their rescue on Friday after security agencies secured their freedom. Makinde visited the victims at the hospital on Saturday, while anxious families had earlier expressed relief following news of their release.

The abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro Esinle School reignited concerns over insecurity in educational institutions across Nigeria.

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The incident prompted renewed calls for stronger protection of schools and more effective security measures to safeguard pupils and staff, particularly in vulnerable communities.