Oyo abduction: Igbo group backs Makinde’s call for independent probe

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL), a conglomeration of Igbo youth groups in the South East, has supported Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for an independent international investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the circumstances surrounding their rescue.

In a press release signed by the group’s President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and made available to journalists in Owerri, Imo State capital, COSEYL described the Oyo governor’s position as a legitimate demand for transparency and accountability, not political grandstanding.

The group said appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, should undertake an independent examination of the incident.

“Governor Makinde’s position is neither an act of political grandstanding nor an attack on Nigeria’s security institutions. Rather, it is a legitimate demand for transparency, accountability, and truth in a matter involving the lives, safety, and fundamental rights of innocent Nigerian children,” the statement read.

COSEYL faulted attempts by some federal officials to dismiss the call as politically motivated, saying public officials should instead welcome initiatives that strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture. The coalition argued that whenever schoolchildren are abducted and held for an extended period, citizens are owed a comprehensive explanation of what happened, the challenges encountered, lessons learned, and reforms needed to prevent a recurrence.

“An independent review, if conducted professionally and objectively, should not be feared by anyone. Institutions that have acted appropriately have nothing to lose from scrutiny.

“On the contrary, an impartial assessment can validate successes, identify operational gaps, recommend improvements, and reinforce public confidence,” COSEYL stated.

The group said the issue transcends partisan politics and concerns the safety of millions of children who go to school daily.