Oyo abduction: UN probe call not to diminish security efforts, says Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says his call on the United Nations to investigate the May 15 abduction of pupils and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state was not to diminish the efforts of security agencies.

44 pupils and teachers kidnapped in three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire LGA were released on July 10 after 56 days in captivity.

The release of the victims by the kidnappers followed heavy pressure mounted on them by operatives of security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.

Two teachers as well as some security personnel however lost their lives during the incident.

Speaking at the inauguration of an 8-man Judicial Conmission of Inquiry into the abduction in Ibadan on Friday, July 31, Makinde said accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence.

Makinde maintained that the call was about “ensuring that every lesson is learnt, and every question that deserves an answer is answered.

“So it was for this reason that I called on the international community to support an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.

Makinde added that government’s duty did not end with the victims’ rescue, “though rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure.

“This judicial commission of inquiry represents our commitment to that responsibility,” he said.

The governor explained that the assignment of the commission was to establish the facts, identify any institutional or operational lapses, and recommend measures that will strengthen the protection of schools and communities.

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Makinde enjoined all members of the commission to bring their decades of experience, integrity, and public service to bear on the assignment before them.

Makinde also urged them to let their work “be guided only by the evidence, the law, and the public interest.

“The people of our state, and indeed Nigerians, expect nothing less than an impartial, credible process,” he said.

Makinde, who gave the commission four weeks to complete the assignment, urged members to feel free to come back to him if they require additional time to ensure that “no stone is left unturned.”

The governor promised to provide every support required for the commission to carry out its assignment independently and professionally.

Makinde also called on individuals, institutions, and relevant agencies to cooperate fully by making available any information that would assist the commission in arriving at the truth.