- Safiu Kehinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the United Nations to Investigate what transpired over the Oriire Local Government Area school kidnapping and the rescue of the kidnapped victims.
Makinde made the call during a state broadcast delivered on Monday evening hour after the victims were handed over to the state government.
The governor, in his address, held that beyond the reunion of the kidnap victims to their parents, there is a need for independent scrutiny on the abduction and circumstances of its resolution.
“The reunion of the children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility.
“Our collective responsibility to establish the truth. The circumstances surrounding this incident has sufficiently grown an unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutes.
“I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the executive governor of Oyo state, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanism, including those within the United Nations system to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.” He said.
Makinde clarified that the call is intended to regain public trust and establish the truth around the incident.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that they truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility regardless of office, influence, or affiliation will be held accountable. “He added.
Earlier in his address, Makinde expressed the delight over the rescue of the students and their teachers.
He however mourned the death of the three teachers killed in the course of the incident, including the murder of the Mathemetics teacher, Micheal Oyedokun.
“My dear good people of Oyo state, today our hearts are filled with immense relief as the children and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota community in Oriire Local Government Area have finally been reunited with their families.
“For every parent who endured weeks of uncertainties, every child who lived through this traumatic experience and every citizen who prayed and hoped for their safe return, this is indeed a moment of thanksgiving.
“Yet even as we rejoice, our relief is tempered by profound sorrow. We mourn the tragic loss of lives in the course of this unfortunate incident.
“Among them were two dedicated teachers- Mr. Joel Adesiyan who was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises and Deacon John Olaleye who died while in captivity.
“Many Nigerians witnessed the horrifying video showing the brutal murder of Mr. Micheal Oyedokun, a dedicated teacher whose life was cruelly cut short by these terrorists.” He said.
Makinde also mourned the security personnel killed during the rescue operation.
“We will never forget security personnel, hunters, and members of the Oyo state Amotekun who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty- Lieutenant F.A Isaac, Mr. Adigun Shuaibu, Mr. Isa Salihu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and other unnamed soldiers.
“We pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest and give strength and comfort to their families during this painful period.” He said.