By Aliyu Oyewole
The Senate has asked Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to withdraw his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the request as unnecessary following the successful military operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
The resolution was reached on Thursday after lawmakers adopted an additional prayer moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) during plenary while debating 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.
Governor Makinde had earlier called for an independent investigation by the United Nations and international human rights organisations into the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area and the operation that eventually secured their release.
According to the governor, such an inquiry would strengthen public confidence by establishing the truth and ensuring anyone found culpable, regardless of status or office, is held accountable.
However, Oshiomhole faulted the governor’s position, describing it as “politics taken too far” and “not statesmanlike.”
He urged the Senate to prevail on Makinde to withdraw the request, arguing that seeking international intervention after a successful rescue operation amounted to trivialising the sacrifices made by Nigerian security agencies.
His prayer was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East). Although the first voice vote was inconclusive, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, called for another vote, after which the majority supported the motion.
The Senate subsequently adopted the resolution alongside the substantive motion praising President Tinubu’s leadership and the coordinated efforts of the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the operation.
During the debate, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), whose constituency includes the affected communities, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the military for rescuing the victims.
He said the people of Oyo North appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and hoped the experience would be replicated in tackling insecurity across the country.
Other lawmakers urged the military to sustain the momentum by rescuing other schoolchildren and victims still being held by kidnappers in parts of Borno and other states.
Senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tahir Monguno (Borno North), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central) commended the security agencies while calling for intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated military operations to eliminate terrorists, kidnappers and bandits nationwide.
The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to strengthen the country’s security architecture by providing improved equipment, surveillance technology, logistics and better welfare packages for security personnel.
Lawmakers further called for the prompt payment of pensions, insurance claims, death benefits and other entitlements to the families of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Senate paid tribute to military personnel F.A. Isaac, Silas Musa and Abena John Jerome, who were killed during the rescue operation, observing a minute’s silence in their honour.
It also commended Adamu Hussain for his bravery after he sustained injuries during the operation and urged the appropriate authorities to ensure he receives the best medical treatment and all welfare benefits due to him.
The lawmakers congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families on regaining their freedom after 56 days in captivity and prayed for the repose of the teacher who died while in the custody of the abductors.
They also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies with credible intelligence and cooperation to enhance the fight against insecurity across the country.
