Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has called for an independent international investigation into the abduction of teachers and pupils from Oriire Local Government Area, urging relevant United Nations human rights and accountability mechanisms to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and its resolution.
The governor made the call in a statewide broadcast on Monday, July 13, 2026, following the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils who spent 56 days in captivity before their rescue by security agencies.
Makinde said the scrutiny was necessary to establish the truth, ensure accountability and restore public confidence in the country’s security system.
According to him, the investigation is not intended to undermine Nigeria’s institutions but to determine whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion that contributed to the incident.
“The Nigerian people deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again,” he said.
The governor maintained that the call was not politically motivated but aimed at securing justice for the victims and reassuring Nigerians that children could attend school without fear.
While expressing relief over the return of the victims, Makinde paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the crisis.
He mourned two teachers, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed during the attack on the school, and Deacon John Olaleye, who died in captivity.
He also recalled the killing of another teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose execution by the kidnappers was captured in a widely circulated video.
Makinde also honoured security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who died during the rescue operation, including Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed soldier.
He wished a speedy recovery to Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the operation.
The governor thanked residents of the state for their patience and cooperation throughout the security operations, particularly those affected by movement restrictions and curfews imposed during the search for the abductees.
He, however, warned that the return of the victims should not lead to complacency, noting that terrorist and bandit groups often attempt to strike repeatedly where they perceive weaknesses.
Makinde urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies or through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
As part of measures to prevent a recurrence, the governor announced that the state government would immediately strengthen security oversight along access routes leading into and out of the Old Oyo National Park through adjoining local government areas.
He said the government would introduce measures to regulate movement within the affected corridors, improve intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and establish protocols to prevent criminal groups from using border communities as operational bases.
Makinde said details of the implementation would be unveiled soon.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to support every lawful effort aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture and ensuring that all those responsible for the tragedy were brought to justice.
The governor also pledged that the state government would continue to work towards making schools and communities safer for children across Oyo State.
