Senate Asks Makinde to Withdraw UN Probe Call as Rescued Oriire Pupils Leave Hospital
Sunday, 19 July 2026
By Atlantic Digest News Desk
The Senate has urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to withdraw his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, arguing that such a move undermines the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies and the Armed Forces.
The resolution followed deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity. During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole introduced an additional prayer criticising the governor’s proposal, describing it as capable of diminishing the achievements of those who participated in the rescue mission.
The Presidency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations have also reportedly faulted Governor Makinde’s request for an international investigation, maintaining that Nigerian institutions successfully handled the operation.
Governor Makinde had earlier defended his position during a statewide broadcast, explaining that an independent international review was not intended to discredit the country’s security agencies but to identify lessons that could strengthen the protection of schools and prevent similar attacks in the future.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has backed the governor’s position, stating that an independent assessment would improve security preparedness and enhance public confidence in measures designed to protect schoolchildren across the country.
During plenary, senators paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission. The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, describing them as national heroes whose sacrifices made the successful rescue possible.
Meanwhile, medical authorities at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, announced that 31 of the 39 rescued pupils have been discharged after receiving treatment and being certified medically fit.
Hospital officials said eight pupils remain under medical care for continued treatment and observation. Among them is a child diagnosed with a congenital heart condition requiring specialised medical attention.
The rescue of the pupils and seven teachers ended a 56-day ordeal after they were abducted from their schools on May 15, 2026. While the operation has been widely celebrated, the political debate surrounding calls for an independent investigation continues to generate differing opinions on how Nigeria should respond to future school abductions and strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities.
