Oyo School Abduction: Presidency Tackles Gov. Makinde Over Conspiracy Theory

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has  tackled the Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde over his call for the United Nations and other international organizations to probe the abduction of school children and their teachers in Oriire local government area of the State.

Governor Makinde, while formally receiving the victims from the Military since they regained their freedom, promised to assume responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation of the 45 victims. He, also, assumed responsibility for the education of the children.

The Governor, however added a new twist to the sad incident when he  called for a UN-backed investigation into the abduction, and insisted that Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Makinde also called on  other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the abduction of the pupils and teachers. His stand was made public in  a video shared by Oyo Affairs on Monday, following the arrival of the rescued pupils and teachers at the Oyo State Secretariat after their handover to him.

He saud: “The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution.

“I, therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.”

He explained that the call for international scrutiny was aimed at ensuring accountability rather than discrediting Nigerian institutions.

“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable,” the Governor said.

Makinde also reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility for national security.