Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that he will not be silenced as he called for an independent international investigation into the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the incident occurred just a day after he declared his presidential ambition under the African Peoples Movement (APM).
“I declared my presidential ambition under APM and the following day schoolchildren were kidnapped in my state. I will not be silenced,” Makinde said as he called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the incident.
Makinde said an international investigation would help uncover the truth behind the abduction, ensure transparency in the probe and hold those responsible accountable.
The governor said the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping must be thoroughly investigated to establish the truth and deliver justice for the victims.
The Oyo State House of Assembly backed Makinde’s request, endorsing his call for an independent international investigation into the school kidnapping.
The lawmakers said a transparent and credible probe would help uncover the facts surrounding the incident, strengthen public confidence and ensure justice for the victims.
Meanwhile, during plenary on Tuesday, the Senate rejected the proposal and urged the governor to allow Nigerian security and investigative agencies to conclude their work.
The lawmakers warned against internationalising what they described as an internal security matter.
Responding to the Senate’s position, the Oyo State House of Assembly said Makinde’s remarks had been misunderstood.
The Assembly maintained that the governor’s request was a patriotic appeal aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and stronger collaboration in the fight against terrorism, not a criticism of Nigeria’s security agencies.
