Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has urged the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to launch an independent investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

In a statewide broadcast following the release and reunion of the victims after 56 days in captivity, Makinde said the incident raised serious questions that could not be left solely to domestic institutions. He insisted that Nigerians deserve a full, transparent and credible account of what happened before, during and after the rescue operation.

Makinde described the mass abduction as “sufficiently grave and unusual” to warrant international scrutiny. He called on relevant UN mechanisms and other global accountability platforms to examine the facts surrounding the kidnapping, the conduct of security agencies and the circumstances that led to the eventual freedom of the hostages.

The governor emphasised that his appeal was not a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s security and justice systems, but a step aimed at strengthening public trust. According to him, only an impartial and thorough probe can reassure citizens that no one involved in the crime or any subsequent cover-up will escape justice.

He stressed that such external scrutiny should reinforce, rather than weaken, national institutions by demonstrating that the rule of law applies to all, regardless of office, influence or political affiliation.

Makinde also drew attention to the constitutional framework that places responsibility for national security on the Federal Government and its security agencies. He argued that this makes it imperative for Nigerians to know whether there were institutional failures, negligence or even collusion at any level before or during the ordeal.

The governor said the investigation he is demanding must identify those responsible for the abduction, assess the effectiveness and integrity of the rescue operation and recommend concrete measures to prevent a recurrence. He maintained that no community in Nigeria should ever again be subjected to such trauma without a full accounting and systemic reforms.

Makinde’s call places additional pressure on federal authorities and security agencies to open their operations to scrutiny, while signalling to the victims, their families and the wider public that the state government is seeking answers beyond political or institutional sensitivities.