Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawata communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
He declared that Nigerians deserve a “full and transparent account” of what transpired, including whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion by any individuals or authorities.
The governor made the call on Monday during a statewide broadcast monitored by SaharaReporters after the abducted victims were reunited with their families following weeks in captivity.
In the address, Makinde described the victims’ release as a moment of immense relief for Oyo State but stressed that the joy was overshadowed by the painful loss of innocent lives, including teachers, security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who died during efforts to rescue the victims.
“My dear good people of Oyo State, today our hearts are filled with immense relief as the children and teachers abducted from the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawata communities in Oriire Local Government Area have finally been reunited with their family,” Makinde said.
“For every parent who endured weeks of uncertainty, every child who lived through this traumatic experience and every citizen who prayed and hoped for their safe return, this is indeed a moment of thanksgiving.”
The governor, however, said the state’s celebration remained incomplete because of the devastating human cost of the incident.
“Yet, even as we rejoice, our relief is tempered by profound sorrow. We mourn the tragic loss of lives in the course of this unfortunate incident.”
Makinde paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the attack and subsequent rescue operations.
“Among them were two dedicated teachers, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises and Deacon John Olaleye, who died while in captivity.”
He also recalled the shocking execution of another teacher by the abductors.
“Many Nigerians witnessed the horrifying video showing the brutal murder of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a dedicated teacher whose life was cruelly cut short by these terrorists.”
The governor further honoured members of the security agencies, local hunters and the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who paid the ultimate price while attempting to rescue the victims.
“We will never forget security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
He identified the fallen heroes as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Mr. Adegun Shuaibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed Nigerian soldier.
“We pray that Almighty God grants them eternal rest and gives strength and comfort to their families during this painful period.”
Makinde also recognised the sacrifice of Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the operation.
“We also honor the courage of Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries and is presently receiving treatment. We pray for his full and speedy recovery.”
Warning that the security threat had not disappeared despite the victims’ release, Makinde urged residents to remain vigilant, saying terrorist and bandit groups often attempt to launch repeated attacks where they identify weaknesses.
“While we give thanks today, we must also remain vigilant. The threat posed by criminal elements has not disappeared.”
“Experience from other parts of our country has shown that terrorist and bandit groups often seek to strike again where they perceive vulnerability.”
“We must therefore not allow this moment of relief to become a moment of complacency.”
He reminded residents that security remained everyone’s responsibility.
“If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately to the appropriate security agencies.”
The governor also encouraged members of the public to use the state’s emergency response system.
“You may also call 615, Oyo State’s toll-free emergency line for security and other emergencies. The vigilance of our communities remains one of our greatest strengths.”
Makinde announced that his administration would immediately strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, which he said had become a major concern following the attack.
“This painful experience has also compelled us to rethink how we secure communities that border the Old Oyo National Park.”
He acknowledged that national parks fall under the exclusive control of the Federal Government but insisted that constitutional limitations would not stop his administration from taking lawful measures to protect residents.
“Under our Constitution, national parks fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, and we respect that constitutional arrangement.”
“However, constitutional limits do not diminish our responsibility to do everything within our lawful power to protect the people of Oyo State.”
“Accordingly, the Oyo State Government will immediately strengthen oversight of all access routes leading into and out of the Old Oyo National Park through our adjoining local government areas.”
Makinde said the government would introduce stricter monitoring measures around the affected corridors.
“We shall introduce appropriate measures to regulate movement through these corridors, improve community intelligence, strengthen collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and establish clear protocols that make it more difficult for criminal elements to exploit our border communities as safe passage or operational bases.”
“Detailed implementation guidelines will be announced shortly.”
According to the governor, the state’s responsibility did not end with securing the release of the victims.
“Leadership is ultimately measured not only by how we respond to tragedy, but by whether we learn from it and build stronger institutions afterward.”
“That is the commitment we make to the people of Oyo State today.”
“The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility, our collective responsibility to establish the truth.”
Makinde thereafter made a direct appeal to the international community, calling for an independent investigation by the United Nations and other international accountability institutions.
“The circumstances surrounding these incidents are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions.”
“I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.”
He insisted that the request was not aimed at weakening Nigerian institutions but at restoring public trust.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions.”
“Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence, or affiliation, will be held accountable.”
Makinde reminded Nigerians that the Constitution places responsibility for national security squarely on the Federal Government.
“Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primary responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its command.”
“The Nigerian people, therefore, deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence, or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again.”
The governor stressed that his appeal was motivated by justice rather than politics.
“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear.”
