The Senate asked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to withdraw his demand for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Senators described the call as unnecessary and politically motivated.
The Upper Chamber took the position on Tuesday during deliberations on a motion that commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for the successful rescue of the victims.
Gunmen abducted about 45 pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire on May 15, 2026. The victims spent 56 days in captivity before security forces rescued them around July 10.
Governor Seyi Makinde welcomed the rescued victims in Ibadan on Monday. He assumed responsibility for their welfare, rehabilitation, and education. He also called for international scrutiny.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions,” Makinde said in a broadcast. He urged the United Nations and other human rights bodies to examine the facts.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised the additional prayer against Makinde’s statement. Senator Aniekan Bassey seconded it. The Senate resolved that the governor should desist from escalating an internal security matter to the international community.
The Senate commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and other agencies for their efforts. It observed a minute’s silence for fallen heroes, including Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome.
Senators urged the Federal Government to pay death benefits to families of the deceased and to strengthen security operations nationwide. They called on Nigerians to support the armed forces with intelligence and cooperation.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by all senators, highlighted the gallantry of security personnel.
