The Senate on Tuesday cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, against his call for the United Nations to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
It warned that such remarks could undermine the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
The position formed part of the resolutions reached by the upper chamber after lawmakers debated a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of the abducted victims and the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.
During the debate, former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, faulted Makinde’s demand for a UN-led investigation into the incident.
His position received the backing of Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
Consequently, the Senate urged the Oyo governor to refrain from making statements that could weaken public confidence in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies to tackle insecurity across the country.
Makinde had made the call on Monday while receiving the 45 victims rescued after spending 56 days in captivity.
The governor, who announced that the state government would take responsibility for the victims’ welfare, rehabilitation and education, argued that Nigerians deserved a comprehensive account of how the abduction occurred and how the victims were eventually freed.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.
Commending the rescue mission, the Senate praised President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy every available resource towards securing the unconditional release of the victims.
Lawmakers also applauded the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for successfully carrying out the operation.
According to the Senate, the July 10 rescue operation led to the safe recovery of the abductees, the arrest of eight suspected terrorists and the killing of several others.
It noted that the mission reflected improved coordination, professionalism and operational effectiveness among the various security agencies involved.
The upper chamber, however, mourned the security personnel who lost their lives during the operation.
It identified them as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Senate also acknowledged Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries while participating in the mission.
Lawmakers equally expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity, describing the rescue of the remaining victims as a significant breakthrough that offered renewed hope to affected families and school communities.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements to the families of the slain security operatives.
It also called for improved welfare, training, logistics and modern equipment for members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
In addition, lawmakers appealed to the Federal Government to sustain ongoing military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups through increased investment in surveillance technology, intelligence gathering, operational capacity and personnel welfare.
The Senate further charged security agencies not to relent in their efforts to secure the freedom of other Nigerians still being held hostage in different parts of the country.
