The Senate on Tuesday 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, saying the governor should stop trivialising what it described as a serious and traumatic incident.
The upper chamber also praised President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity, while honouring security personnel who lost their lives during the operation.
Makinde had, in a statewide broadcast on Monday shortly after the Nigerian military handed over the rescued victims to the Oyo State Government, called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
According to the governor, the incident raised questions that required independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
However, the Senate rejected the call during plenary on Tuesday while adopting a motion titled, “Commendation of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Nigerian Armed Forces; and other security agencies for the successful rescue of abducted school children and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and recognition of the gallant security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation.”
The motion was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and co-sponsored by all senators.
An additional prayer condemning Makinde’s call for a UN investigation was moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (APC, Cross River South).
The Senate urged the governor to refrain from trivialising the incident, insisting that the focus should remain on supporting the country’s security institutions and honouring those who risked their lives during the rescue mission.
Lawmakers commended the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and all officers and personnel involved in the operation for what they described as exceptional professionalism, courage, patriotism and selfless service.
The Senate congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families on the successful end of their ordeal and prayed for the repose of the soul of the teacher who died while in captivity.
The chamber also paid tribute to Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349), Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604) of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force, who were killed during the rescue operation.
A minute’s silence was observed in honour of the fallen personnel.
The Senate extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the wider security community, praying for eternal rest for the deceased.
Lawmakers also commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, for his bravery during the operation, wished him a speedy recovery and urged the appropriate authorities to ensure he receives the best medical care and all his welfare entitlements.
The Senate further called on the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel.
It also urged the government to continue improving the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The lawmakers called for sustained military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the country through improved logistics, modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology and enhanced intelligence capabilities.
The Senate also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely intelligence, cooperating with law enforcement authorities and demonstrating patriotism in the fight against insecurity.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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