The Presidency has vehemently disagreed with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State over his demand for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, who stated the position of the Presidency on Monday, July 13, 2026, noted that the demand by Governor Makinde, was unnecessary and politically motivated.
Governor Makinde had in a broadcast on Monday, declared that the circumstances surrounding the Oyo kidnap incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution.
In the words of Makinde; “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”.
Makinde further said that the call for international scrutiny was aimed at ensuring accountability rather than discrediting Nigerian institutions, but quickly reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility for national security.
He said; “Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. 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”.
While taking over the responsibility of the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the 45 pupils and teachers rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, Governor Makinde called for a UN-backed investigation into the abduction, stressing that Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Deadly armed bandits had on May 15, 2026 attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted 39 pupils and six teachers.
In a swift response however, Bayo Onanuga pointedly said that Governor Makinde’s demand suggested a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, stressing that the military and other security agencies had already provided explanations on the rescue operation.
Onanuga told the Punch that the Presidency had no objection to an international body examining the incident if Makinde believed there were unresolved issues.
According to Onanuga; “The Governor has just expressed his opinion that the UN should probe this incident. Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained”.
The presidential spokesman however, questioned the basis for Makinde’s demand, emphasising that security agencies had no reason to deliberately subject Nigerians, especially children, to prolonged captivity.
Onanuga further said that the rescue operation came at a cost, with some security personnel, including members of the military and Amotekun, losing their lives while pursuing the abductors.
Onanuga further said that it was “unthinkable” that anyone would deliberately conspire to expose the victims to the 56-day ordeal, including the killing of a mathematics teacher during captivity.
He said; “Look at those kids. Some of them are just about four or six years old. Will anyone want to deliberately subject them to the trauma they went through for 56 days?”
Onanuga accused Makinde of allowing political considerations to influence his call for an international probe, adding that it is just unfortunate that Makinde doesn’t have any trust in our own institutions, thus calling on an external body to come and investigate.
The presidential spokesperson also said that the military and the Department of State Services had already disclosed what they knew about the incident.
According to Onanuga; “The governor’s demand is unwarranted and absolutely unnecessary. Makinde is attempting to politicise the matter. The man is just playing politics, and it is the politics of the bizarre. He wants to weaponise anything available, including dredging up a strange conspiracy theory.”
