Senate Orders Makinde to Withdraw UN Probe Demand Over Ogbomoso School Abduction

 


By Abdulahi Musa 


The Senate has asked Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to withdraw his call for a United Nations (UN)-led investigation into the abduction and subsequent rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.


The resolution was adopted during plenary on Tuesday following a motion moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), who described Makinde's request as unnecessary and politically motivated. The Senate had been debating a substantive motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by 108 senators, commending President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity. 


Governor Makinde had, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction and the eventual rescue of the pupils and teachers. He argued that an independent investigation would strengthen public confidence, establish the truth, and ensure accountability for anyone found culpable, irrespective of status or affiliation. 


Reacting during Tuesday's debate, Oshiomhole faulted the governor's position, describing it as "not statesmanly" and an example of politics taken too far.


He urged the Senate to caution Makinde against what he termed the trivialisation of the efforts of the military and other security agencies by calling for an international investigation despite the successful rescue operation.


Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) seconded the motion, after which Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the additional prayer to a voice vote. Although the initial vote was inconclusive, a second voice vote produced a majority in support of the motion, leading to its adoption alongside the Senate's commendation of the security agencies. 


Speaking during the debate, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), whose constituency includes the affected communities, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the military for securing the victims' freedom.


He commended the security forces for their professionalism and appealed for similar operations to be replicated in other parts of the country facing insecurity.


Also contributing, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged the military to intensify efforts to rescue other schoolchildren still being held by kidnappers, particularly in Borno State.


Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) said the successful rescue operation had restored public confidence in Nigeria's security agencies and demonstrated their capacity to confront criminal elements effectively. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Accounts Ahead of Governorship Election

Image
  By Ajimati Samuel  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action as the state prepares for its August 15 governorship election. In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President said he was deeply embarrassed by the development, stressing that although he respects the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the timing of the EFCC's move could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the forthcoming election. Tinubu clarified that he had no prior knowledge of the EFCC's decision to obtain the court order on August 5, 2026, and reiterated his administration's commitment to allowing law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to carry out their constitutional duties without political interference. According to the President, institutions es...
Read more

Accord Shocks APC, Wins Omisore’s Polling Unit in Osun Governorship Election

Image
  By Abdulahi Musa  The Accord Party has won the governorship election at the polling unit of former Osun Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore. Results uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV) showed that Accord secured 131 votes at Polling Unit 003, Ife Ward 1 (Moore), St. Gabriel Primary School, in Ife East Local Government Area. The APC placed second with 85 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 10 votes. Other political parties recorded only a few votes at the polling unit. The development marks another early gain for Accord as the collation of results from polling units across Osun State continues. The victory comes shortly after Accord also prevailed at the polling unit of former Osun Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area. Accord recorded 125 votes there, defeating the APC, which polled 85 vo...
Read more

Imesi-Ile Youth Leader Celebrates Six New Lawyers, Commends IPA for Honouring Outstanding Achievers

Image
  By Abosede Adekunle  The National Youth Leader of Imesi-Ile, Comrade John Rotimi Fakanlu, has congratulated six indigenes of the community who were recently called to the Nigerian Bar, describing their achievement as a significant milestone that reflects the community's growing commitment to academic excellence and professional development. In a statement released on Saturday, Fakanlu also expressed appreciation to the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA), National Body, for recognising and celebrating the newly inducted legal practitioners. He specifically commended the National President of the association, Barr. Samuel Agbeluyi, mni, and the General Secretary, Mr. Sola Oluwadare, for what he described as a thoughtful initiative aimed at encouraging excellence among the youths of the community. The six newly qualified Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria are Barr. Temidayo Fabiyi, Barr. Iyanuoluwa Babaniyi, Barr. Similoluwa Jegede, Barr. Taiwo Mayow...
Read more