Presidency criticizes Makinde over UN probe into Oyo school kidnapping

The Presidency has criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Nigeria’s security agencies have already provided a full account of the operation and that there is no basis for an international investigation.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described the governor’s request as unnecessary and politically motivated, arguing that the federal government has absolute confidence in the country’s security institutions and their handling of the rescue mission.

The controversy follows Makinde’s call for the United Nations and other international accountability bodies to independently investigate the circumstances of the May 15 abduction and eventual rescue of 39 pupils and six teachers after spending 56 days in captivity.

FG expresses confidence in security agencies

Responding to the governor’s remarks, Onanuga said the federal government has nothing to hide and has remained transparent about every step of the rescue operation.

He said that while the government would not stop any international organization from seeking information, there was no justification for an external investigation because the Nigerian military had already explained how the operation was conducted.

“Our doors are open. Let the UN come if they think there is something more than what our military has explained,” Onanuga said.

He added that the rescue operation was carefully planned and executed after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordination between security agencies to ensure that the victims were rescued without unnecessary loss of life.

Questions about prolonged imprisonment

The presidential spokesperson rejected suggestions that security agencies deliberately allowed victims to remain in captivity, describing such claims as unfair and insensitive to the sacrifices made by security personnel.

He noted that many of the rescued children were between four and six years old and had suffered significant physical and emotional trauma during the time they were held by their captors.

“Look at those children. Some of them are only four or six years old. Would anyone want to deliberately subject them to the trauma they suffered for 56 days?” he asked.

According to him, hostage rescue operations are often complex and require patience, strategic planning and credible intelligence to ensure the safety of those held captive.

Security personnel rewarded

Onanuga also acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the Nigerian Army and the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, during the rescue operation.

He said some security operatives lost their lives while working to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their commitment as evidence of the government’s determination to protect citizens.

He argued that the success of the rescue should strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s security agencies rather than generate doubts about their professionalism.

The presidency cites political reasons

The presidential aide accused Governor Makinde of politicizing the incident, linking his stance to his recently declared presidential ambition.

“It is just unfortunate that Mr Makinde, perhaps because of politics, because he is now a presidential candidate, has no faith in our own institutions and is now asking an external body to come and investigate,” Onanuga said.

He further described the governor’s request as “unjustified” and “utterly unnecessary”, insisting that it unfairly calls into question the credibility of security agencies despite the successful rescue of victims.

Makinde insists on an independent audit

Governor Makinde had previously maintained that the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue warranted an independent investigation by the United Nations and other international bodies of accountability.

According to the governor, such an investigation would help establish all the facts surrounding the incident and strengthen public confidence in the handling of the case.

The Presidency, however, maintains that Nigeria’s institutions are fully capable of investigating the matter and insists that the success of the rescue operation demonstrates the competence, resilience and professionalism of the country’s armed forces and other security agencies.