Oriire School Abduction: Oshiomhole Slams Makinde Over UN Probe Call

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for calling on the United Nations to investigate the abduction and subsequent rescue of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the governor’s position as “unstatesmanlike” and a politicisation of a national security issue.

Governor of Oyo State, Oluseyi Makinde, on Monday called on the United Nations and International Human Rights Organisation to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire School in his state.

Speaking during plenary in the Senate on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said Makinde’s appeal to the UN undermined Nigeria’s sovereignty and failed to acknowledge the efforts of the country’s armed forces in securing the victims’ release.

The former Edo State governor argued that while it was important to commend the military for what he described as an “uncommon display of courage and professionalism,” the Senate should also adopt a comprehensive policy to support families of security personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.

He noted that such a policy should apply to all members of the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice across the country, rather than focusing on isolated incidents.

Turning to Makinde’s statement, Oshiomhole said he was disturbed by reports that the Oyo governor had urged the United Nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding both the kidnapping and the rescue operation.

“I thought that was most unstatesmanlike. He carried partisan politics too far, and this Senate should condemn that unguided statement. Nigeria is a sovereign nation,” Oshiomhole said.

He maintained that the successful rescue operation demonstrated that Nigerian security agencies were capable of handling complex security challenges without external intervention.

According to him, although the victims were held captive for nearly two months, the military conducted a carefully coordinated operation that resulted in their rescue while also neutralising some of the kidnappers.

Oshiomhole argued that suggesting the UN should investigate the incident trivialised the sacrifices made by the armed forces and cast unnecessary doubt on the country’s security institutions.

“To suggest that the United Nations needs to investigate the circumstances is to question the sovereignty of our nation and to downplay the achievements of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, the service chiefs, and all those involved in the operation,” he said.

He urged political leaders to rise above partisan differences on issues of national security and instead unite in recognising the efforts of security agencies.

“There comes a moment in the history of every nation when, across party lines, we should stand together to commend what has happened, encourage our armed forces, and support them with the resources and equipment they need to do even more,” Oshiomhole added.

The senator warned against actions or statements that could undermine public confidence in the military, insisting that the successful rescue should serve as a source of national pride rather than political controversy.