The Oyo State House of Assembly has openly challenged the Senate’s opposition to Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers from an Islamiya school, insisting that an independent international probe is necessary to expose security failures and prevent future attacks.
The Assembly maintained that seeking an impartial investigation does not amount to an indictment of the Federal Government or the nation’s security agencies but is a responsible step towards uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the abduction.
While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, intelligence agencies, the Amotekun Corps, community volunteers and other security organisations for the coordinated operation that secured the release of the victims after weeks in captivity, the lawmakers stressed that celebrating their success should not shield the incident from rigorous scrutiny.
“The call for an independent international investigation is neither an indictment of the Federal Government nor a criticism of our gallant security agencies,” the Assembly declared.
“It is a responsible request aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, identifying possible security gaps and making recommendations that will help prevent a recurrence.
“Commending the efforts of our security agencies and seeking a transparent review of the incident are not mutually exclusive.”
The lawmakers rejected suggestions that Governor Makinde’s proposal conflicts with the Senate’s position, arguing instead that both ultimately seek to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Makinde had renewed his call for a United Nations and international human rights-backed investigation during a statewide broadcast after receiving the rescued victims in Ibadan. He argued that an independent inquiry would promote transparency, restore public confidence and produce recommendations capable of preventing similar tragedies.
The governor had earlier alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that attacks on the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his reported 2027 presidential ambition, a claim that further heightened political controversy surrounding the security crisis.
The Assembly also pointed out that the Senate itself had recommended improved welfare, better training, enhanced logistics, modern equipment for security personnel and prompt payment of benefits to the families of fallen officers. According to the lawmakers, those recommendations complement rather than contradict Makinde’s demand for an independent investigation.
Describing terrorism as a transnational threat that increasingly requires international cooperation, the lawmakers argued that several democratic nations have subjected major security incidents to independent investigations without compromising their sovereignty or diminishing the professionalism of their security institutions.
They insisted that the proposed investigation is not intended to apportion blame but to identify systemic weaknesses, strengthen intelligence gathering and improve the protection of schools and vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
The Assembly further urged Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic and religious divisions in supporting initiatives capable of improving national security.
It also expressed appreciation to the Armed Forces, the Police, intelligence agencies, the Amotekun Corps, community volunteers, the media and other stakeholders whose combined efforts ensured the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, while reiterating that true accountability demands not only successful rescue operations but also an honest examination of how the tragedy occurred in the first place.