Oshiomhole Makinde UN probe — Senator Adams Oshiomhole has openly criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for asking the United Nations to investigate the Oriire school abduction and rescue. Consequently, the former Edo State governor accused Makinde of playing politics with a national security success story.
Oshiomhole Makinde UN probe: Oshiomhole Faults Makinde’s UN Appeal
During Tuesday’s Senate plenary in Abuja, Oshiomhole raised an additional prayer urging lawmakers to reject Makinde’s position. He did not mince words. “The governor of Oyo state, calling on the United Nations to investigate the various circumstances surrounding the kidnap and even the rescue, is most un-statesmanly; he has carried partisan politics too far,” Oshiomhole said. “And this should be condemned.”
“The governor of Oyo state, calling on the United Nations to investigate the various circumstances surrounding the kidnap and even the rescue, is most un-statesmanly; he has carried partisan politics too far. And this should be condemned. He is downplaying the achievement of the… pic.twitter.com/dXUjJmczFi
— TallJohn🌍 (@JohnFanimokun) July 14, 2026
Furthermore, the Edo North senator argued that Makinde’s request undermines the achievements of Nigeria’s security architecture. “He is downplaying the achievement of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all the service chiefs, and, in fact, all those involved in this process,” he added.
Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East, seconded Oshiomhole’s prayer. As a result, the Senate unanimously adopted a broader resolution that both commended the rescue operation and cautioned Makinde against statements that could weaken ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Background: The Oriire Abduction and Rescue
Armed bandits stormed three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. They abducted 39 pupils and several teachers, sparking nationwide outrage and an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State.
After 56 days in captivity, security forces rescued the victims through a joint operation involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, Amotekun Corps, hunters, and local vigilantes. The military formally handed the rescued pupils and teachers over to the Oyo State Government on Monday.
Shortly afterward, however, Makinde used a statewide broadcast to call for an independent UN investigation. He insisted that the circumstances surrounding both the abduction and the rescue were “sufficiently grave and unusual” to warrant scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions. Additionally, he maintained that the request was not meant to discredit local institutions but rather to reinforce public accountability.
Senate Backs Tinubu and Security Chiefs
Despite Makinde’s explanation, the Senate sided firmly with the federal government. Lawmakers commended President Tinubu, the service chiefs, and the National Security Adviser for what they described as exceptional professionalism during the rescue operation. They also honored security personnel who lost their lives in the operation with a minute of silence.
Moreover, the Senate urged the federal government to intensify military and intelligence operations against kidnappers and terrorist groups nationwide. Lawmakers likewise called for improved welfare packages, better equipment, and advanced surveillance technology for security agencies.
What Comes Next
The disagreement between Oshiomhole and Makinde highlights a deepening divide between federal lawmakers and opposition-aligned state executives over how Nigeria should handle its security narrative. While the Senate wants unified praise for the rescue, Makinde continues to push for independent accountability. Therefore, this political standoff will likely persist as both camps stand firm on their positions.
Sojworldnews will continue monitoring this developing story.
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