Oyo Pupils Rescue: Senate Cautions Makinde Over UN Appeal

The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against making statements it said could undermine the Federal Government’s and security agencies’ efforts to tackle terrorism and kidnapping, following his call on the United Nations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The warning came during Tuesday’s plenary as lawmakers considered a motion on the rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers from the local government area.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who raised the issue, described Makinde’s appeal to the United Nations as inappropriate, arguing that Nigeria has the capacity to investigate and address its own security challenges.

“Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde calling on the United Nations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers is most unstatesmanlike. He carries partisan politics too far, and this Senate should condemn his unguided statement. Nigeria is a sovereign nation,” Oshiomhole said.

The position was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who backed the Senate’s stance that national security matters should be handled through Nigeria’s institutions.

Speaking on the motion, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers.

He also praised President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the victims’ release.

According to Bamidele, the operation demonstrated improved professionalism, operational efficiency and coordination among the country’s security agencies.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence for Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, who died during the rescue operation, while also acknowledging injuries sustained by Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain.

Lawmakers noted that one of the abducted teachers died in captivity despite the successful rescue of the remaining victims.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits, pensions and other entitlements to the families of the fallen personnel and called for improved welfare, training and equipment for security agencies.

It also called for intensified military and intelligence operations to secure the release of other Nigerians still in captivity across the country.