The Senate has rejected Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Nigeria’s security agencies successfully handled the operation.
The decision was reached on Tuesday after lawmakers adopted a motion praising President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and supported by all senators, also honoured security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission and urged the Federal Government to sustain military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed an additional resolution urging Governor Makinde to withdraw his call for a UN investigation, arguing that such a request undermines the efforts of Nigeria’s security institutions.
The proposal received support from lawmakers and was adopted by the Senate.
Governor Makinde had earlier appealed to the United Nations and other international bodies to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction and eventual rescue of the victims, saying Nigerians deserved a transparent account of what happened.
However, senators maintained that the rescue operation demonstrated the professionalism and commitment of Nigeria’s security agencies.
Lawmakers commended the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and other security personnel involved in the operation.
Several senators also called for increased efforts to rescue other victims still being held by kidnappers in different parts of the country, particularly in Borno State.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to continue investing in modern military equipment, intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and improved welfare for security personnel to strengthen the fight against insecurity.
Lawmakers also observed a minute of silence in honour of security officers who lost their lives during the rescue operation and called for the prompt payment of benefits and compensation to their families.
The Senate concluded by urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence and cooperation to improve national security.
