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 pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that the inquiry is necessary to expose security lapses and strengthen Nigeria’s response to terrorism.
The lawmakers said an impartial investigation would not only establish the full facts surrounding the incident but also provide recommendations capable of preventing similar attacks on schools across the country.
Their endorsement comes barely hours after the Senate advised Makinde against seeking the involvement of the United Nations, arguing that the incident remains a domestic security matter that should be handled exclusively by Nigerian authorities.
Why An International Probe Is Necessary – Oyo Lawmakers
In a statement issued on Tuesday through the Office of the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, the Assembly congratulated the Oyo State Government and residents over the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Despite celebrating the rescue, the lawmakers maintained that the unusual nature of the kidnapping warranted an independent investigation beyond Nigeria’s existing security framework.
The Assembly lamented the recurring wave of mass abductions targeting schools across the country, describing the trend as a national security crisis that requires fresh strategies.
According to the lawmakers:
“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.”
Governor Makinde had made the request during a statewide broadcast on Monday after receiving the rescued pupils and teachers at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
He argued that the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and eventual rescue were serious enough to justify international scrutiny, adding that the findings could help improve future security responses.
Assembly Responds To Senate’s Opposition
The Senate, during Tuesday’s plenary, rejected the governor’s proposal, warning against involving international organisations in what lawmakers described as an internal security issue.
Reacting to the Senate’s position, the Oyo Assembly insisted that Makinde’s request had been misunderstood.
The lawmakers stressed that the governor was not questioning the competence of Nigeria’s security agencies or attempting to embarrass the Federal Government.
Instead, they described his position as a patriotic appeal designed to promote transparency, accountability and stronger collaboration in tackling terrorism.
The Assembly noted that Governor Makinde had consistently praised President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps and other security stakeholders for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue of the victims after weeks in captivity.
According to the statement:
“The call for an independent international investigation is neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of our gallant security agencies.
“It is a responsible request aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, identifying possible security gaps and making recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence.”
The lawmakers added that acknowledging the efforts of security operatives does not prevent government from seeking an objective review of the events.
“Commending the efforts of our security agencies and seeking a transparent review of the incident are not mutually exclusive,” the statement added.
Terrorism Requires Global Cooperation, Assembly Insists
The House further argued that terrorism, school attacks and mass kidnappings have become transnational threats, making international cooperation increasingly necessary.
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It pointed out that several democratic nations have subjected major security failures to independent investigations without weakening their institutions or compromising national sovereignty.
According to the Assembly, the objective of the proposed UN-backed investigation is not to apportion blame but to identify operational gaps and ensure the lessons from the Oriire abduction translate into stronger protection for pupils, teachers and schools across Nigeria.
The lawmakers also commended the Senate for recognising the sacrifices of soldiers, intelligence operatives and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation.
They welcomed the Senate’s resolutions calling for improved welfare, training, logistics and equipment for security agencies, insisting that those recommendations complement, rather than contradict, Makinde’s proposal for an independent probe.
The Assembly also sympathised with the families of security personnel and teachers who lost their lives during the incident and praised security agencies, Amotekun Corps, community volunteers, media organisations and other Nigerians whose efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the abducted victims.