School abduction: Oyo Assembly backs Makinde’s call for UN probe

The Oyo State House of Assembly has officially backed Governor Seyi Makinde's request for an independent international investigation into the recent abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. The Assembly views such a probe as essential for establishing the facts surrounding the mass abduction, bolstering Nigeria's security framework, and deterring similar incidents across the nation.

“

Mass abduction of schoolchildren has become a disturbing pattern in Nigeria. If our collective efforts as a country have not been sufficient to end this menace, 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. Enough is enough.

In a statement released from the Speaker's office, the House congratulated the state government and its citizens on the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers. The lawmakers emphasized that the mass abduction of schoolchildren has become a distressing trend in Nigeria. They argued that if national efforts have proven insufficient to combat this menace, inviting a relevant United Nations agency to investigate the unusual circumstances of the Oyo case is appropriate and necessary.

Lawmakers clarified that Governor Makinde's call should not be misconstrued as a criticism of the Federal Government or the nation's security forces. Instead, they described it as a patriotic appeal for enhanced transparency, accountability, and international cooperation in addressing the escalating threat of terrorism and mass school abductions. The Assembly noted that the governor has consistently commended the President, armed forces, police, and other security stakeholders for their coordinated efforts leading to the victims' rescue.

“

Governor Makinde’s call should not be misinterpreted, but rather it should be seen as a patriotic appeal for greater transparency, accountability and international collaboration in addressing the growing menace of terrorism and mass school abductions.

This stance comes after the Senate cautioned Governor Makinde against seeking a UN-backed investigation. The Oyo Assembly insisted that the governor's position has been misinterpreted and reiterated that his appeal is aimed at understanding the full circumstances of the incident and preventing future occurrences. The Assembly stressed that the governor's call is a responsible request for international collaboration.

“

The call for an independent international investigation is neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of our gallant security agencies.