Breaking: Presidency Reacts as Makinde Calls on UN to Investigate Oyo Students, Teachers' Abduction

• The presidency has dismissed Governor Seyi Makinde's call for a UN probe into the Oyo school abduction as unnecessary
• Makinde had, in a viral video, insisted that international scrutiny would strengthen accountability and public confidence
• The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu and security agencies, while pledging full support for the rescued pupils and teachers

The presidency has criticised Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde's call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire local government area, describing the demand as unnecessary and politically driven.

Recall that Makinde made the appeal on Monday, July 13, 2026, while formally receiving the 45 rescued teachers and pupils, saying Nigerians deserved a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding their 56-day captivity.

Oyo abduction: Presidency rejects Makinde's UN probe

But reacting, presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the federal government had no objection if the UN wished to examine the incident, but maintained there was no basis for such a request.

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"The Governor has just expressed his opinion that the UN should probe this incident. Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained," Onanuga said.

He argued that security agencies had already disclosed details of the rescue operation, adding that it was "unwarranted" and "absolutely unnecessary" to seek an external investigation.

Onanuga also questioned suggestions of conspiracy, saying, "Look at those kids... Will anyone want to deliberately subject them to the trauma they went through for 56 days?"

Oyo abduction: Makinde defends call for UN probe

However, the governor insisted his request was aimed at ensuring accountability rather than discrediting Nigerian institutions, Punch reported.

"This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear," Makinde said.

Despite calling for an independent investigation, Makinde thanked President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for securing the victims' release and pledged medical, psychological and educational support for the rescued pupils and teachers, Vanguard reported.

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Oyo abduction: 8 kidnappers arrested, many killed

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Bayo Onanuga confirmed that eight kidnappers were arrested and handed over to the DSS following a rescue operation that freed abducted schoolchildren.

Security agencies neutralised some of the kidnappers during the operation, and a kingpin whose release was demanded by the abductors remains under prosecution/ Onanuga said the government made no concessions to secure the release, adding that a full security briefing would follow.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng