0
IBADAN – Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations and appropriate international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
In a statewide broadcast after the release of the abductees, the governor expressed gratitude for their safe return but said the state remained in mourning over those who lost their lives during the incident.
Makinde described the reunion of the victims with their families as “a moment of thanksgiving” after weeks of fear, uncertainty and anxiety.
“Today, our hearts are filled with immense relief as the children and teachers abducted from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area have finally been reunited with their families.
“For every parent who endured weeks of uncertainty, every child who lived through this traumatic experience, and every citizen who prayed and hoped for their safe return, this is indeed a moment of thanksgiving,” he said.
The governor, however, paid tribute to those who died during the abduction and rescue efforts, describing their sacrifices as unforgettable.
He identified the deceased teachers as Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises, and Deacon John Olaleye, who died while in captivity.
Makinde also recalled the killing of another teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose murder, he said, shocked many Nigerians after a disturbing video of the incident surfaced online.
He further honoured security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who lost their lives during rescue operations. They include Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed soldier.
“We will never forget security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” he said, praying for the repose of their souls and strength for their families.
The governor also wished Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the operation, a speedy recovery.
Makinde thanked residents of the state for their patience and cooperation throughout the period of the crisis, especially communities affected by security restrictions and curfews imposed to facilitate rescue operations.
He warned that despite the successful rescue, criminal groups still posed a threat and urged residents not to lower their guard.
“The threat posed by criminal elements has not disappeared. Experience from other parts of our country has shown that terrorist and bandit groups often seek to strike again where they perceive vulnerability. We must therefore not allow this moment of relief to become a moment of complacency,” he said.
The governor urged citizens to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies and encouraged residents to make use of the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, for security and other emergencies.
As part of measures to prevent future attacks, Makinde announced that the state government would immediately tighten surveillance around all access routes linking communities to the Old Oyo National Park.
He explained that although the park falls under the constitutional control of the Federal Government, the state has a responsibility to protect residents living around the area.
According to him, the government will regulate movement through adjoining corridors, improve community intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with security agencies and local communities, and introduce operational protocols to prevent criminal groups from using border communities as hideouts or transit routes.
He added that detailed implementation guidelines for the new measures would be announced soon.
The governor also called for an independent international investigation into the abduction, saying the incident was serious enough to warrant scrutiny beyond domestic institutions.
Makinde stressed that the call was not intended to undermine Nigerian institutions but to reinforce public confidence by ensuring that the truth is established and anyone found culpable is held accountable.
