OYO ABDUCTION: SENATE CAUTIONS MAKINDE OVER DEMAND FOR UN PROBE

The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state.

Makinde, while formally assuming responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the 45 teachers and pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity on Monday, stated that Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The governor explained that the call for international scrutiny was aimed at ensuring accountability rather than discrediting Nigerian institutions.

Armed bandits had on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.

During Tuesday’s plenary, the Red Chamber cautioned Makinde against making statements capable of undermining the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in tackling terrorism and kidnapping.

The warning formed part of resolutions adopted after the Senate considered a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of the victims as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.

The Senate commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for securing the release of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.

Lawmakers also praised President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the unconditional release of the victims, who were abducted by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.

According to the Senate, the rescue operation, which culminated in the victims’ release on July 10, 2026, also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were killed.

The upper chamber noted that the operation demonstrated the growing professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration among the security agencies involved.

The Senate, however, lamented the loss of security personnel during the operation.

It identified the deceased as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force. It also recognised Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the rescue mission.

Lawmakers further expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity but described the successful rescue of the remaining victims as a major achievement that had restored hope among Nigerians, especially parents and school communities.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel.

It also called on the government to improve the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

The lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence capabilities, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for security personnel.

The Senate also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.

During the debate, Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, cautioned  Makinde over his call for the United Nations to investigate the abduction. The caution was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

In its resolution, the Senate urged the governor to avoid statements capable of undermining the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing insecurity in the country.