Senate Cautions Governor Makinde Over Call for UN Probe into Oyo School Abduction

On Tuesday, 14 July 2026, the Senate cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state. The Senate urged the governor to refrain from making statements that could undermine the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies.

On Monday, 13 July 2026, Mr Makinde officially received 45 rescued victims, comprising 39 pupils and six teachers, who had spent 56 days in captivity. During a statewide broadcast, the governor called on the United Nations and other international human rights bodies to investigate the security lapses and circumstances surrounding the mass abduction.

Mr Makinde argued that the 56-day hostage crisis was grave enough to warrant an independent, international review to ensure transparency and accountability.

During its plenary session on Tuesday, the Senate rejected the governor’s proposal to involve international bodies in an internal security matter. The warning was part of a resolution passed after lawmakers considered a motion on the successful rescue of the victims, sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

The Senate argued that calling for an external probe suggests a lack of trust in Nigeria’s own military and intelligence services. Lawmakers noted that the call compromised national sovereignty and took away from the sacrifices of the security forces, several of whom lost their lives during the rescue operation.

In a debate during the session, Senator Adams Oshiomhole accused the governor of politicizing a sensitive national security issue.

The Senate has urged the Oyo State Government to allow national security agencies and domestic institutions to conclude their investigations into the incident. Meanwhile, the Senate also called on the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of benefits and welfare packages to the families of the security officers who died during the rescue mission.