Makinde: Ogbomoso School Abduction Demands UN Scrutiny

​IBADAN – Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally called for an independent investigation by the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, describing the ordeal as “gravely unusual.”

​The Governor’s appeal comes just days after the successful rescue of the victims, who endured 56 days in captivity following their abduction on May 15, 2026. The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School (Ahoro-Esiele), and L.A. Primary School (Ahoro-Esiele), were freed in a joint operation by the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and the police.

​A Traumatic 56-Day Ordeal

​The incident began on the morning of May 15 when heavily armed assailants on motorcycles raided the three schools. During the initial attack, the Assistant Headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, was killed, and an additional teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded while in captivity.

​Speaking during a broadcast on Monday, Governor Makinde emphasised that the specific nature of this incident—which occurred mere hours after he publicly declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election—raises questions that necessitate a broader, independent inquiry.

​“For seven years, we did not witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at 4:00 p.m., and by 9:00 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” Makinde remarked, highlighting the suspicious timing of the assault.

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​Call for International Scrutiny

​Addressing the public after receiving the rescued victims at the Government House in Ibadan, the Governor stated that the “circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny.”

​While the Presidency confirmed that eight kidnappers have been arrested and are in DSS custody, and that no ransom or prisoner exchange was facilitated to secure the release, the Governor’s call for UN involvement suggests a desire to uncover potential external factors or deeper conspiracies that led to the prolonged siege.

​Security and Recovery

​The rescue operation, which concluded on July 10, resulted in the recovery of 44 survivors. Following their release, the state government has prioritised the health and psychological well-being of the victims, who are currently undergoing medical observation.

​As the state begins the process of healing, the governor’s request for international intervention underscores a growing demand for transparency regarding the security breach, which has left the local community and the state in a prolonged state of anxiety and grief.