Senate Tells Makinde UN Probe Not Needed Over Oyo Abduction

According to Ireporter Online, the Senate on Tuesday described the incident as an internal security matter, insisting that it should be addressed by relevant Nigerian authorities rather than international bodies.

The lawmakers warned that involving foreign organisations in the matter could affect ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country.

The Senate’s position followed Governor Makinde’s appeal for the UN and international human rights groups to probe the circumstances surrounding the abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The governor made the request during a broadcast on Monday after receiving the rescued victims at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. The victims had been kidnapped on May 15 and regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.

During plenary on Tuesday, the Senate urged the governor to refrain from presenting Nigeria’s internal security challenges to the international community, stressing that national institutions have the capacity to handle such investigations.

The matter was raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who accused Governor Makinde of politicising the country’s security challenges. He argued that seeking a UN-backed investigation could undermine the efforts of Nigerian security agencies and raise concerns about the country’s sovereignty.

The upper chamber subsequently advised the Oyo State government to allow security agencies and other relevant national authorities to conduct investigations into the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the victims’ captivity.

The Senate also commended President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security forces for securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers after more than 50 days in captivity.

Additionally, the lawmakers called on the Federal Government to strengthen military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements by providing modern equipment, improved surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence systems, better logistics, and improved welfare for security personnel.