Overview

Just in: Senate faults Makindes UN probe call over Oyo school abduction

The Senate on Tuesday cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of 39 pupils and six teachers in the state, warning that such remarks could undermine the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in tackling insecurity. The warning followed the consideration of a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity and the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.

The Senate also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for securing the release of the victims without the payment of ransom. Also on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, faulted Makinde for what he described as politicising the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, insisting that Tinubu prioritised their rescue over making telephone calls.

Makinde had, on Monday, while formally assuming responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the rescued teachers and pupils, called for a UN-backed investigation into the abduction, arguing that Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Bandits had on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.

Leading the criticism of the governor during plenary, the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, described Makinde’s call as unnecessary and capable of diminishing the achievements of the security forces. He said, “Mr President, I read it this morning in newspapers, and I have also seen it in the electronic media that the governor of Oyo State is calling on the United Nations to probe the overall circumstances surrounding the kidnap and even the rescue.

“I thought that was unsportsmanlike. He has carried partisan politics too far, and this Senate should condemn his unguarded statement. “Nigeria is a sovereign nation. When we wake up and call on foreign authorities to investigate. “This is one case in which our armed forces have shown that, without paying a ransom, even though it meant those children and some adults remained in captivity for almost two months, they worked quietly to carry out the rescue operation.

“As captured in this motion, the operation unfortunately resulted in the loss of some lives. “To trivialise it or suggest, as Oyo governor seems to have done, that the UN needs to unearth the circumstances is to question the sovereignty of our nation, and to downplay the achievements of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu and all the service chiefs involved in this process. “I think there is a moment in the history of this nation when, across party divides, we should stand in unity to commend the manner in which these victims were released and encourage the armed forces to build on it.

“It is not possible for them to share with us some of the things they did, like I heard they were able to identify the guys and arrest some of their relatives. “I want us to resolve that the governor of Oyo State should not be seen as downplaying, undermining and politicising an issue that ought to be something the whole nation across party divides should commend the armed forces for what they have done on this occasion and continue to encourage them to do so.” Oshiomhole’s position was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

Consequently, the Senate resolved to urge the Oyo governor to avoid statements capable of undermining the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity. In its resolutions, the upper chamber commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for securing the release of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity. The lawmakers also praised Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the unconditional release of the victims abducted by heavily armed terrorists.

According to the Senate, the rescue operation, which culminated in the victims’ release on July 10, 2026, led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were killed. The Senate noted that the operation demonstrated growing professionalism, operational efficiency and improved inter-agency collaboration among the security agencies involved. The lawmakers, however, paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation. They identified the fallen officers as Lt F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sgt Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Senate also recognised Lance Cpl Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the rescue mission. The chamber equally expressed sadness over the death of two of the abducted teachers while in captivity but described the successful rescue of the remaining victims as a major achievement that had restored hope among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities. 
The Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the deceased security personnel. It also called for improved welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity for members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

The lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups through the provision of modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence capabilities, improved logistics and better welfare packages for security personnel. They also called on security agencies to sustain efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.

In his statement on Tuesday, Akume said the President’s focus was on securing the release of the victims through intelligence-driven security operations rather than engaging in “public grandstanding.” The statement released by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, said Akume spoke in Abuja while receiving members of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development led by its President, Peter Bassey.

Making an apparent reference to Makinde’s remarks, Akume said what was before the President was “more important than a telephone call.” Akume was quoted as saying, “We live in a society where everything is politicised. Yes, we inherited difficult situations, but we are improving by the day. “You could see the political sagacity and strategy of the President by ensuring the release of our dear ones who were held captive by these crooks. “When the noise was rife that the President did not place a phone call to someone, it did not make sense. Would a telephone call to that person have resolved the case? Would those held captive have been released? No.

“It is the strategy being used to ensure the safety of those held in captivity that should be paramount. We should be interested in the release of these children and others. We should not be interested in a telephone call.” Akume described Tinubu as “a doer” whose leadership is defined by action rather than rhetoric. “This is why I tell people that Asiwaju (the President) is a doer. He is not a talker. He is like the Centurion of the old Roman Empire, whose services were rendered in deeds and not in words. His leadership is defined by action and results. “Nigerians wanted to see the safe return of those innocent children and, today, they have been rescued through the strategic efforts of our security agencies under the President’s leadership. That is what matters,” he said.

The SGF maintained that the successful rescue operation demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives through carefully coordinated security operations. He stressed that terrorism and kidnapping required intelligence-led responses rather than political rhetoric. “The President has taken the fight against insecurity very seriously. His administration remains focused on restoring peace across the country, protecting lives and creating an environment where Nigerians can live and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear,” Akume said.

The SGF also commended the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development for promoting religious harmony and national unity. Earlier, the association’s President, Bassey, said the group visited the SGF to strengthen its relationship with his office, citing Akume’s record in public service. “We have come to familiarise and strengthen our relationship with you because we believe strongly in your leadership. We have followed your antecedents over the years, and we are convinced that you are committed to the service of our nation,” Bassey said.

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