The Senate has asked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to withdraw his call for a United Nations (UN)-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The resolution followed the adoption of an additional prayer moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during debate on a motion commending President Bola Tinubu, the armed forces and other security agencies for rescuing the victims after 56 days in captivity.
The substantive motion was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by 108 senators.
On Monday, Makinde had called on the UN and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction and the subsequent rescue operation.
According to the governor, the investigation would strengthen public confidence by establishing the truth and ensuring that anyone found responsible, regardless of status or affiliation, is held accountable.
However, Oshiomhole described the governor’s demand as “not statesmanly” and said it amounted to “politics taken too far.”
He urged the Senate to call on Makinde to stop “trivialising” what he described as a successful rescue operation by seeking an international investigation. Senator Aniekan Bassey seconded the motion.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, conducted a voice vote. Although the first vote was inconclusive, a second vote saw the “ayes” prevail, leading to the adoption of Oshiomhole’s prayer alongside the main motion.
During the debate, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who represents Oyo North where the abduction occurred, thanked the Federal Government and the military for securing the release of the victims.
Other lawmakers urged security agencies to build on the success by rescuing schoolchildren still being held captive in other parts of the country, particularly in Borno State.
Senators Adamu Aliero, Tahir Monguno and Abdulaziz Yar’Adua called on the military to sustain the momentum against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, while Senator Abdul Ningi urged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to strengthen inter-agency collaboration that made the rescue possible.
The Senate also commended President Tinubu for what it described as his decisive leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Lawmakers praised 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 personnel involved in the rescue operation.
The upper chamber congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, while offering prayers for the teacher who died during captivity.
The Senate also observed a minute’s silence in honour of military personnel F. A. Isaac, Silas Musa and Abena John Jerome, who lost their lives during the rescue mission, and commended Adamu Hussain for his bravery after he sustained injuries during the operation.
Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to enhance military operations through better equipment, surveillance technology, intelligence gathering, logistics and improved welfare for security personnel. They also called for the prompt payment of benefits and entitlements to the families of fallen officers.
