In a recent statement, the Presidency has criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his request for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the governor’s demand as unnecessary and politically driven, suggesting that if Makinde believes there are unresolved issues, the federal government is open to an international inquiry. However, Onanuga challenged the governor’s rationale, questioning why security agencies would allow innocent children to remain captives for 56 days, referring to the emotional trauma experienced by the young victims.
Onanuga further expressed concern over the heavy toll the rescue operations took, noting the loss of security personnel, including those from the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun. He emphasized that it was “unthinkable” that such an abduction could be orchestrated deliberately. The presidential spokesman accused Makinde, a presidential aspirant, of politicizing the incident for his own gain, stating that it was regrettable for him to mistrust Nigerian institutions and to call for an external investigation.
In response to the criticism, Makinde had earlier urged for international scrutiny during a reception for the 45 rescued individuals, asserting that the circumstances of the abduction warranted independent examination. He contended that his request aimed not to undermine Nigerian institutions but to reinforce public confidence and accountability. The governor stressed the need for a thorough account of the incident, exploring potential institutional failures or collusion, and implementing measures to safeguard schools from future attacks. He maintained that the issue transcends politics, focusing on delivering justice for the victims and reassurances to the public regarding the safety of children in schools. Through his call, Makinde sought to ensure transparency and build trust within the community.
