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.

Kemi Olunloyo Questions Official Account of Oriire Rescue, Raises Fresh Questions About Oyo Abduction Case

 Investigative journalist Dr. Kemi Olunloyo has questioned the Federal Government’s account of the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, arguing that several aspects of the operation remain unexplained.

In a statement shared on social media, Olunloyo disputed the official narrative that security forces carried out a successful rescue operation, claiming instead that there was no such operation. She did not provide evidence to support that assertion.

The Federal Government has maintained that the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while others were neutralised.

President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have both commended the security agencies for the rescue and described the operation as a major breakthrough.

However, Olunloyo argued that several unanswered questions warrant closer scrutiny.

Among the issues she raised were why photographs released after the rescue appeared to show fewer people than the total number reportedly abducted, why the rescued pupils were not seen wearing school uniforms, why some of the alleged kidnappers had not been publicly presented, and why biscuits were distributed to the children shortly after their release.

She also questioned remarks made by the school principal during the reception of the rescued victims, suggesting the address appeared rehearsed.

Olunloyo’s comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users calling for greater transparency from authorities, while others accused her of making allegations without presenting supporting evidence.

As of the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor the Oyo State Government had responded to the specific questions raised by Olunloyo.

The official position of the Federal Government remains that the victims were rescued through a security operation conducted after nearly two months in captivity, with several suspects arrested and others killed during the mission.

Shemariah Media has not independently verified the claims made by Dr. Olunloyo.

Makinde Imposes 16-Hour Curfew in 10 Oyo LGAs Over Security Concerns

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The restriction of movement will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily and will remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours.

The affected local government areas are Oriire, Oorelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.

The state government said the affected councils are located along areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

The announcement was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government and made available through the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Residents of the affected areas have been advised to comply with the directive as the government implements measures aimed at addressing security concerns in the affected communities.