Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has come under criticism over his call for the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations to investigate the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, with the Senate, senior government officials, legal experts, and political leaders insisting that the request is misplaced and undermines Nigeria’s security efforts.
The growing backlash has intensified the debate over the governor’s remarks, with critics arguing that domestic security matters fall outside the jurisdiction of the UN.
The Senate on Tuesday expressed surprise at Makinde’s demand for an international investigation, describing the call as capable of trivialising the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation that secured the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Lawmakers instead commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies for the successful rescue mission, describing it as a major achievement in the country’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
The upper legislative chamber adopted a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by all senators, praising the coordinated efforts that led to the victims’ rescue.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to ensure that families of security personnel who lost their lives during the operation receive all statutory benefits, including insurance claims, pensions, and other welfare entitlements, while calling for sustained investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, logistics and improved welfare for security agencies.
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole faulted Makinde’s position, arguing that calling for a UN investigation diminished the courage and sacrifices of security operatives who risked their lives during the rescue mission.
Oshiomhole’s proposal that the Senate formally reject the governor’s request was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey and subsequently adopted as part of the chamber’s resolutions.
Bamidele maintained that the successful operation reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring public confidence. He noted that the rescue sent a clear signal that criminal groups would not be allowed to operate freely anywhere in the country, while describing the abduction as a direct threat to children’s constitutional right to education in a safe environment.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, also criticised Makinde’s comments, accusing the governor of politicising a sensitive national security issue.
Speaking in Abuja, Akume said the President deliberately focused on intelligence-driven operations and strategic planning rather than political optics throughout the 56-day hostage crisis.
He argued that complaints about the President not personally calling the governor during the crisis were unnecessary while security agencies were working to secure the victims’ release.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, equally rejected the governor’s appeal for a UN investigation, stressing that the organisation has no mandate to investigate domestic security incidents in member states.
Ibrahim urged Makinde to apologise to the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, saying the governor’s priority should be supporting victims and assisting with their rehabilitation instead of seeking international intervention.
Ibrahim further advised the Oyo State Government to mobilise resources for affected families and seek additional support from Nigerians if necessary.
According to him, governments have a primary responsibility to protect lives and property, and leaders should demonstrate empathy and accountability whenever security failures occur.
Legal experts also dismissed the governor’s proposal. United Nations Independent Expert and Vice Chair of the International Law Association, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), said the request was inconsistent with the provisions of the UN Charter.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Wahab Shittu, described the statement as political, while human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) maintained that the United Nations lacks jurisdiction to investigate abductions carried out by bandits within sovereign member states.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose added to the criticism, arguing that rather than demanding an international investigation, Makinde’s own actions before, during, and after the abduction deserved scrutiny.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also condemned the governor’s remarks, describing them as irresponsible and politically motivated, while insisting that the call demonstrated a misunderstanding of the United Nations’ role in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
