The Oyo State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent international investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Assembly said an international probe would help uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack, identify security lapses, and strengthen measures to prevent future school abductions across Nigeria.
The lawmakers congratulated the state government and residents on the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing the incident as part of a troubling pattern of mass kidnappings targeting schools.
According to the Assembly, inviting a relevant United Nations agency to investigate the case is necessary if Nigeria’s existing efforts have not been sufficient to end such attacks.
“Mass abduction of schoolchildren has become a disturbing pattern in Nigeria. It is only appropriate to invite the relevant agency of the United Nations to investigate the unusual circumstances surrounding the Oyo State case and make recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence,” the statement said.
Governor Makinde had earlier appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the incident after receiving the rescued victims in Ibadan on Monday. He argued that the circumstances surrounding the abduction were serious enough to warrant an independent review.
The Assembly also responded to the Senate’s recent warning against seeking a UN-backed investigation, insisting that the governor’s position had been misunderstood.
It maintained that Makinde’s request was a patriotic call for greater transparency, accountability, and international collaboration in tackling terrorism and mass school kidnappings rather than a criticism of the Federal Government or security agencies.
The lawmakers noted that the governor had consistently commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and other security stakeholders for their coordinated efforts that led to the safe rescue of the victims after weeks in captivity.
According to the Assembly, praising security agencies and seeking an independent review are not mutually exclusive, stressing that the proposed investigation aims to establish the facts, identify possible security gaps, and recommend measures to prevent similar attacks.
The House further argued that terrorism and attacks on schools have become transnational threats, making international cooperation essential in developing effective counter-terrorism strategies.
It added that many democratic countries have subjected major security incidents to independent investigations without undermining national sovereignty or the professionalism of their security institutions.
The lawmakers also commended the Senate for recognising the sacrifices of security personnel involved in the rescue operation and for advocating improved welfare, training, logistics, modern equipment, and prompt payment of benefits to the families of fallen officers.
However, the Assembly maintained that these recommendations complement, rather than contradict, Makinde’s call for an international investigation, as both are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
The House urged Nigerians to support initiatives capable of improving national security and safeguarding schools while expressing condolences to the families of security officers and a teacher who lost their lives during the incident.
It also appreciated security agencies, local security outfits, community volunteers, the media, and all Nigerians whose contributions helped secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
