Oshiomhole Knocks Makinde Over UN Probe Call, Says Oyo Governor Is Politicising School Abduction

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the proposal as unnecessary and damaging to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Speaking during plenary at the Senate, Oshiomhole argued that Makinde’s position failed to acknowledge the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies that secured the victims’ release after weeks in captivity.

According to the former Edo State governor, inviting foreign bodies to investigate the incident sends the wrong message about Nigeria’s ability to handle its own security challenges.

“I thought that was the most unstatesmanlike statement. He was carrying partisan politics too far, and this Senate should condemn his unguided statement,” Oshiomhole said.

The senator maintained that the rescue operation, carried out without paying ransom, demonstrated the professionalism and commitment of the country’s security forces, even though the victims spent nearly two months in captivity.

He also said the governor’s comments appeared to question the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, the military leadership and other security agencies involved in the operation.

Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to set aside political differences and instead unite in recognising the efforts of the armed forces.

“There is a moment in the history of a nation when, across party lines, we should stand in unison to commend what has happened and encourage the armed forces to build on it,” he told lawmakers.

He added that certain operational details could not be made public because of security considerations, insisting that the focus should be on supporting the security agencies rather than casting doubt on their work.

The remarks come amid growing debate over the circumstances surrounding the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire. While Governor Makinde has called for an independent international investigation to establish the full facts, the Federal Government and several officials have defended the operation as a successful security mission that should be commended rather than questioned.