The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, against his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The warning followed Makinde’s appeal for an international probe while receiving the 45 rescued teachers and pupils on Monday after they spent 56 days in captivity.
The governor had argued that Nigerians deserved a full account of how the abduction occurred, stressing that his call for a UN investigation was intended to ensure accountability rather than undermine Nigerian institutions.
During plenary on Tuesday, however, the Senate urged the governor to avoid statements capable of diminishing the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
The position formed part of resolutions adopted after lawmakers considered a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the successful rescue of the victims and the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.
The Senate commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for securing the release of the abducted victims after more than 50 days in captivity.
Lawmakers also praised President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the unconditional release of the victims.
According to the Senate, the rescue operation, which ended with the victims regaining their freedom on July 10, also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were killed.
“The operation demonstrated the growing professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration among the security agencies involved,” the Senate said.
The lawmakers, however, mourned security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission. They identified the deceased as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force. They also recognised Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the operation.
The Senate also expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers in captivity but described the rescue of the remaining victims as a major success.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel.
They also called for improved welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity for members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
In addition, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved logistics and enhanced welfare for security personnel.
The lawmakers further called on security agencies to sustain efforts toward securing the release of other Nigerians still in captivity across the country.
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, cautioned Makinde over his call for a United Nations investigation, a position supported by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East.
In its resolution, the Senate urged the governor to refrain from making statements “capable of undermining the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing insecurity in the country.”
Armed kidnappers attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers. The victims were rescued on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.
