The Nigerian Senate has dismissed Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that the incident is an internal security matter that should be handled by Nigerian institutions. Lawmakers instead commended the military and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation.
The Senate has rejected Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s request for the United Nations to investigate the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying Nigeria possesses the institutions required to handle such security matters.
The upper legislative chamber maintained that while accountability remains important, internationalising the incident is unnecessary and could undermine confidence in the country’s security agencies.
During Tuesday’s plenary, senators praised the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, hunters and local vigilantes for their coordinated efforts that led to the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after more than 50 days in captivity.
The Senate also commended President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release and acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel who lost their lives during the operation.
The Senate’s position followed an amendment proposed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and supported by Senator Aniekan Bassey, urging Governor Makinde to refrain from seeking a United Nations investigation.
Lawmakers argued that the incident should be treated as a domestic security issue and cautioned against actions that could diminish public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
Governor Makinde had earlier appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the May 15 abduction, arguing that such a review would help establish the full facts and strengthen public confidence.
His position has since drawn criticism from both the Presidency and the National Assembly, which insist that Nigerian institutions are capable of handling the matter.
The Senate’s resolution adds to growing opposition against calls for international intervention in the Oriire abduction case. While lawmakers urged the Federal Government to sustain military operations against kidnappers and terrorists, they also called for continued efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still in captivity.