The Senate has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the Oriire school rescue operation, urging him not to trivialise what lawmakers described as a deeply traumatic national security incident. The development followed Makinde’s statewide broadcast on Monday, shortly after the Nigerian military formally handed over pupils and teachers rescued from captivity after spending 56 days in the hands of abductors in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor had called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability organisations to independently examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction, arguing that the incident raised questions requiring scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
During Tuesday’s plenary, senators rejected the proposal, maintaining that the rescue operation reflected the commitment and professionalism of Nigeria’s security agencies.
The position of the Senate formed part of resolutions adopted after considering 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 Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by all senators. An additional resolution criticising Governor Makinde’s call for an international investigation was introduced by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey.
The Senate praised President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and all security personnel involved in the successful Oriire school rescue mission. Lawmakers also congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families on the end of their ordeal while offering prayers for the teacher who lost his life during the period of captivity.
The Upper Chamber observed a minute of silence in honour of security personnel who died during the rescue operation. Among those recognised were Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, who were commended for making the ultimate sacrifice while protecting innocent citizens.
The Senate extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the wider security community, praying for the repose of the fallen officers. Lawmakers also commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion for his bravery during the operation and urged authorities to provide him with the best medical care and all welfare benefits due to him.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country. It also called for improved funding, modern surveillance technology, better logistics, enhanced intelligence capabilities and improved welfare for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Additionally, lawmakers appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies through timely intelligence sharing, cooperation and patriotism. The Senate further urged the Federal Government to ensure that all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of security personnel who died during the Oriire school rescue operation are paid promptly.
