Why Makinde Called For UN Probe Of Oyo Abductions, Rescue – Commissioner

The Oyo State Government has shed more light on why Governor Seyi Makinde called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

Armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.

The kidnapped pupils and teachers were freed alive after 56 days in captivity on July 10, 2026, by a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian military, DSS, and police forces

Speaking when he received the rescued victims at his office in Ibadan on Monday, July 13, Makinde described the circumstances surrounding the abduction as “sufficiently grave and unusual,” and called on international human rights organisations and the UN to “closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.”

Speaking to THE WHISTLER in his office, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Dotun Oyelade, said Governor Makinde believes there’s more to the abductions and release of the children and teachers than what is in the public domain.

Asked to give an insight into what the governor knows about the kidnap and release of the Orire victims, Oyelade said the governor would explain “at the fullness of time.”

He said, “If you look at the trajectory of reactions and responses to his statement, you will observe that the preponderance of support for his views is far more than those against it. Because there is no reason in the world why any tendency should not feel free or stop Governor Makinde from asking for a broader investigation of the events leading to the kidnapping for 56 days.

“After all, just a few years back in 2013-2014, the current president of Nigeria and his APC members actually called on the United Nations to investigate the kidnapping at Chibok. And in any case, so many of their spokesmen were sponsored abroad, including the United Nations seat, to canvass even for the arrest of the former president, Jonathan.

“So, we believe that if Governor Makinde, as a sitting governor, sees more into what is happening, what is trending, it should not be an aberration at all.”

Asked to explain the nature of the relationship between Governor Makinde and President Bola Tinubu, the commissioner said, “Well, the public can put one or two together, but what we know in Oyo State is that Governor Makinde is not one of the governors that have been sucked into the APC.

“So, he has the right to his own political belief and leanings, and if that plays out in any other personal way, that will have to be resolved by the electorates.”

On whether politics affected the rescue efforts, Oyelade said they are grateful to God that the victims came back alive.

“I think we should be grateful to God, we would rather look forward and not look back. Any information for the future will have to be elicited from investigation that must occur, and we stand by that.”