Makinde urges UN investigation into kidnapping of Oyo students

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged for an independent examination of the May 14 abduction of children and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, citing the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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In a statewide broadcast on Monday in Ibadan, Makinde made this call shortly after receiving 44 children and teachers who were recently rescued from bandits, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth behind the abduction.

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The governor has solicited the assistance of international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to investigate the matter and provide a full and transparent account of what happened.

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According to Makinde, the circumstances of the abduction are sufficiently grave and unusual, warranting a scrutiny that would reinforce public confidence in the establishment of the truth and determine whether there were institutional failures, negligence, or collusion.

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Makinde stated that the reunion of the rescued children and teachers with their families marks the beginning of a new responsibility, which is to establish the truth, and that this effort is not driven by politics but by a desire for justice for the victims and reassurance for the people.

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The governor assured the rescued teachers and the parents of the rescued children that the government would take every lawful step to make schools and communities safer, and he described the release and reunion of the victims as a moment of immense relief for the state.

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Makinde expressed gratitude to residents for their patience, resilience, and cooperation during the period, which involved security measures and curfews, and acknowledged the profound sorrow that tempered the joy of the reunion due to the loss of some teachers.

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The governor paid tribute to the deceased teachers, including Mr Joel Adesiyan, Deacon John Olaleye, and Mr Michael Oyedokun, as well as security personnel who died in rescue efforts, including Lt F. A. Isaac, Mr Adigun Saibu, Mr Isa Saliu, Mr Rafiu Ayuba, and an unnamed soldier from the Oyo State Amotekun Corps and supporting hunters.

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Makinde prayed for the repose of their souls and comfort for their families, and also acknowledged one Mr Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment, demonstrating the human cost of the abduction and the rescue efforts.

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The state government, according to Makinde, would immediately strengthen oversight of all access routes into and out of the Old Oyo National Park through adjoining LGAs, introducing measures to regulate movement, improve community intelligence, and establish protocols to prevent criminal elements from using border communities as safe passage.