The Senate has strongly cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against making statements capable of undermining Nigeria’s security institutions and compromising national sovereignty, following his controversial demand for a United Nations-led investigation into a recent school kidnapping.
During a heated plenary session on Tuesday, the Red Chamber formally faulted the governor’s proposal to involve international bodies, declaring that the mass abduction is strictly an internal security matter that must be handled entirely within the borders of Nigeria.
The legislative backlash comes less than twenty-four hours after the Oyo State Government received 45 pupils and teachers who were successfully rescued after spending 56 traumatic days in captivity. The victims were initially seized on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed bandits launched a coordinated raid on three schools across the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The Senate’s Resolution
The upper legislative chamber’s warning formed part of resolutions adopted following a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, celebrating the successful rescue operation while honoring the heavy sacrifices made by national security personnel.
While the lawmakers heavily commended President Bola Tinubu and the joint forces—including the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and local security apparatus—for securing the release of the hostages, they took a swipe at Makinde for what they termed “trivializing and politicizing” a grave security challenge.
The Senate noted that the high-stakes rescue mission, which culminated in the victims’ freedom on July 10, 2026, demonstrated exceptional inter-agency collaboration and operational efficiency, resulting in the neutralization of several bandits and the arrest of eight suspected terrorists.
Sovereignty and Personal Sacrifices
Contributing to the debate, several lawmakers voiced strict opposition to the governor’s global appeal. Senator Adams Oshiomhole sharply criticized the move, arguing that inviting external entities to probe domestic operations directly devalues the ultimate sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers on the frontlines.
The Senate noted with deep sadness that the successful rescue came at a devastating cost, with multiple security personnel losing their lives during the 50-day campaign, including Lieutenant F.A. Isaac and Private Silas Musa of the Nigerian Army.
“We must desist from escalating internal security challenges to the international community as if we have no faith in our own sovereign institutions,” the Senate resolved, urging the Oyo State executive to completely drop the UN push and allow relevant federal authorities to conclude ongoing investigations.
Furthermore, the upper chamber called on the Federal Government to ensure the immediate and prompt payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, and welfare entitlements to the families of the fallen heroes who died ensuring the safe return of the Oriire school children.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
