Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde Calls for UN Probe After School Kidnapping Rescue

On May 15 2026, gunmen abducted 39 pupils and six teachers from three schools in the Ahoro‑Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. The victims were held for 56 days in a forested area before a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, police, the Department of State Services, local hunters and the Oyo Amotekun corps rescued them. Three teachers were killed during captivity and several security personnel died in the rescue.

Governor Seyi Makinde received the rescued pupils and teachers at the state secretariat, pledged medical monitoring for 24‑48 hours, and promised ongoing support for their education and wellbeing. He announced that the state government would take responsibility for their rehabilitation.

Makinde also called for an independent investigation by United Nations‑linked human‑rights and accountability mechanisms, saying the “circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual” to merit international scrutiny. He stressed that the request was not political but aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and public confidence.

President Bola Tinubu praised the security forces for the operation, noting the arrest of eight abductors. The federal presidency later criticized Makinde’s UN appeal as politically motivated by his presidential ambitions, while leaving the door open for an international review if warranted.

Traditional ruler Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade visited the victims, offering support and urging continued intelligence‑driven security operations around the Old Oyo National Park.