The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, arguing that such matters fall within Nigeria’s domestic security framework and should not undermine the work of the country’s security agencies.
The warning came during plenary after lawmakers considered a motion on the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers. Led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for securing the victims’ release after 56 days in captivity.
Lawmakers urged Makinde to avoid statements that could be interpreted as undermining ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, noting that the United Nations does not ordinarily intervene in the domestic security operations of sovereign nations.
The Red Chamber also observed a minute of silence in honour of the soldiers and police officer who lost their lives during the rescue operation, describing them as national heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. Senators further called on the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits and welfare entitlements to the families of the fallen personnel while continuing to strengthen the capacity of Nigeria’s security agencies.
Governor Makinde had earlier maintained that an independent international inquiry would help establish the full circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify lessons to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, the Senate insisted that existing Nigerian institutions are capable of conducting any necessary investigation while preserving national sovereignty.
