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…Tightens security around Old Oyo National Park
By Oluseye Ojo
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Monday called for an independent international investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
He also urged relevant United Nations human rights and accountability mechanisms to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the attack and its resolution.
In a statewide broadcast following the safe return of the abducted victims after 56 days in captivity, Makinde also announced sweeping security measures to protect communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
Makinde stated that the state government would immediately strengthen surveillance and regulate movement along access routes into and out of the forest to prevent criminals from exploiting the area.
The governor maintained that Nigerians deserved a full and transparent account of the incident, including whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion that enabled the attack.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions.
“I therefore 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 said.
According to Makinde, the call was not intended to undermine Nigerian institutions but to strengthen public confidence that the truth would be established and that anyone found culpable, irrespective of status or affiliation, would be held accountable.
“This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear,” he added.
While expressing relief over the reunion of the abducted pupils and teachers with their families, the governor described the development as a moment of thanksgiving for Oyo State but said the joy was overshadowed by the painful loss of lives during the incident.
He paid tribute to Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed during the attack on the school premises; Deacon John Olaleye, who died in captivity; and Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose gruesome killing by the abductors was captured in a video that shocked many Nigerians.
Makinde also honoured security personnel, hunters and operatives of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who lost their lives during the rescue efforts. He included Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed soldier.
He equally commended Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the operation and is receiving treatment, praying for his speedy recovery.
The governor thanked residents of the state for their patience, cooperation and resilience throughout the weeks of uncertainty, especially those affected by security restrictions and curfews imposed during the rescue operation.
Makinde, who warned that the security threat had not disappeared, urged residents to remain vigilant. He noted that terrorist and bandit groups often attempt to strike repeatedly where they perceive weakness.
He advised members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies or through Oyo State’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
To strengthen security around vulnerable communities, the governor announced that the state would improve intelligence gathering, enhance collaboration with local communities and security agencies, regulate movement through border corridors adjoining the Old Oyo National Park and introduce new operational protocols to deny criminal groups safe passage and operational bases.
Makinde acknowledged that national parks are under the constitutional control of the Federal Government but insisted that the constitutional arrangement would not stop his administration from deploying every lawful measure within its powers to safeguard lives and property in Oyo State.
He assured parents that his administration had heard their fears and would continue to support every lawful initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture, protecting lives and ensuring that all those responsible for the tragedy were brought to justice.
The governor’s broadcast came hours after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the Oyo State Government, following medical treatment and psychological evaluation at the Headquarters of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services, Ibadan.
