Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the circumstances surrounding the May 15 incident as grave enough to warrant independent international scrutiny.

Governor Seyi Makinde has taken the Oyo school abduction case beyond Nigeria’s borders, calling for an international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The governor said the incident raises serious concerns that deserve independent scrutiny by the United Nations and global human rights organisations.

Speaking after receiving the rescued pupils and teachers in Ibadan, Makinde said the events leading to the abduction and the victims’ prolonged captivity require a transparent investigation beyond domestic institutions.

According to him, the unusual nature of the incident makes it necessary for international organisations to examine what transpired and help establish a comprehensive account of the events.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 in Oriire Local Government Area and spent nearly two months in captivity before security forces rescued them in a coordinated operation.

The rescue operation led to the arrest of several suspects, while at least one military officer lost his life during the mission.

Makinde stressed that beyond celebrating the successful rescue, authorities must determine how the attack happened and whether lessons can be learned to prevent similar incidents.

He reiterated his commitment to supporting the victims’ rehabilitation while ensuring that every aspect of the abduction is thoroughly examined.

The governor’s appeal marks a significant development in the aftermath of the Oriire abduction, potentially drawing international attention to one of Nigeria’s most high-profile school kidnapping cases in recent months.