The Senate on Tuesday rejected Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that such a move undermines the sacrifices of Nigerian security agencies that secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.
The upper chamber took the position after adopting a motion commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and co-sponsored by all senators, also honoured security personnel who lost their lives during the operation and urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the country.
The Senate’s rejection of Makinde’s position followed an additional prayer moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who urged the governor to desist from seeking a United Nations investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue of the victims.
The proposal was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (APC, Cross River South) and adopted by the Senate.
Governor Makinde had, in a statewide broadcast on Monday shortly after the Nigerian military handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the Oyo State Government, called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
According to the governor, the incident raised questions that required independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
However, senators rallied behind the rescue operation, praising the professionalism, courage and sacrifices of the security agencies involved.
The lawmakers specifically commended the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and all officers and personnel who participated in the operation for what they described as exceptional professionalism, patriotism and selfless service.
During the debate, Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) urged security agencies to extend similar efforts to other victims still being held by kidnappers.
“There are other school children still in captivity, especially in Borno State. I want our armed forces to double their efforts to ensure that other children are free,” he said.
Senator Victor Umeh (LP, Anambra Central) said the successful rescue had renewed public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
“There is no doubt that when the news of the rescue of these children hit the airwaves, every Nigerian was very happy. This is the type of thing we need to be hearing. What we thought was insurmountable is now surmountable. I am very happy with this operation,” Umeh stated.
Also contributing, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) appealed to the military to deploy the same urgency in rescuing children still in captivity in parts of Borno State.
“We have similar abductions. In my state, in Senator Ndume’s constituency, there are children still in captivity. I urge the military to show the same urgency so that they can be free from captivity,” he said.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to sustain the inter-agency collaboration that led to the successful rescue and replicate the strategy in tackling insecurity nationwide.
The Senate congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families on the successful end of their ordeal and prayed for the repose of the teacher who died in captivity.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements to the families of security personnel who lost their lives during the operation.
In honour of the fallen officers, the Senate observed a minute’s silence for Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation and the protection of innocent schoolchildren and teachers.
The lawmakers also commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain for his bravery after sustaining injuries during the rescue operation and urged the relevant authorities to provide him with the best medical care and all benefits due to him.
The Senate further appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies through timely intelligence, cooperation and patriotism.
It also called on the Federal Government to strengthen ongoing military and intelligence operations by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence capabilities, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for security personnel to enable Nigerians live, work and pursue education without fear.
