The Senate has advised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to exercise caution over his request for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Drivetvnews gathered that Governor Makinde made the appeal on Monday while officially receiving the 45 rescued pupils and teachers who spent 56 days in captivity. He said Nigerians deserved a transparent account of the incident and explained that his call for an international inquiry was intended to promote accountability, not to undermine Nigeria’s security institutions.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, after armed attackers invaded three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.
During Tuesday’s plenary, senators cautioned the governor against making comments that could weaken public confidence in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies to combat terrorism and kidnapping.
The position formed part of the resolutions adopted after lawmakers considered a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the successful rescue operation and the sacrifices made by security personnel involved.
The Senate applauded the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security organisations for securing the victims’ release after more than 50 days in captivity. It also commended President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy every available resource to ensure the hostages were freed.
Lawmakers noted that the operation, which ended successfully on July 10, 2026, also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised. According to the Senate, the mission demonstrated improved professionalism, coordination and operational efficiency among the various security agencies.
The chamber, however, expressed sadness over the loss of security personnel during the rescue mission. It paid tribute to Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, while also recognising Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the operation.
The Senate equally mourned the teacher who died while in captivity but described the successful rescue of the remaining victims as a significant achievement that restored hope to Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements to the families of the fallen security personnel. They also called for improved welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity for members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
In addition, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved logistics and better welfare packages for security operatives.
The lawmakers further appealed to security agencies to sustain efforts aimed at rescuing other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, criticised Governor Makinde’s request for a UN investigation, a position supported by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East.
At the end of its deliberations, the Senate urged the Oyo State governor to avoid statements that could undermine the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing insecurity across the country.
