By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed strong support for Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his call for the United Nations (UN) to investigate the controversial abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as a bold step towards ensuring justice, accountability, and lasting reforms in Nigeria’s security system.
The party said Governor Makinde’s appeal for an independent international investigation demonstrates a commitment to transparency and the protection of innocent Nigerians, particularly schoolchildren whose safety has become a growing concern across the country.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, the NDC maintained that the gravity of the incident requires a thorough, impartial, and credible investigation capable of uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the abduction. The party noted that only a transparent process would help restore public confidence and guarantee justice for the victims and their families.
According to the NDC, the proposed UN-led investigation should not be viewed as a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions but as an opportunity to strengthen accountability, identify possible lapses, and recommend practical measures to prevent future attacks on schools.
The party stressed that every institution responsible for safeguarding lives and property must be held accountable where failures are established, adding that protecting children and educational facilities should remain a national priority beyond political affiliations.
Governor Makinde had earlier called on the United Nations and other international human rights organisations to independently examine the circumstances surrounding the school abduction, insisting that the incident deserved global attention because of its humanitarian implications. He explained that an international probe would enhance credibility, reinforce transparency, and ensure that justice is neither delayed nor compromised.
The governor’s position has continued to spark nationwide debate, attracting support from civil society organisations, education advocates, and some political groups, while others insist that Nigerian security agencies possess the capacity to conduct a comprehensive investigation without external involvement.
The NDC, however, argued that the safety of Nigerian children should transcend partisan politics. It urged all stakeholders, including security agencies, development partners, and community leaders, to work together in strengthening intelligence gathering, improving school security infrastructure, and ensuring rapid emergency response mechanisms in vulnerable communities.
The party further called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards implementing stronger policies under the Safe Schools Initiative, improve security surveillance around educational institutions, and provide adequate support for victims and affected families.
The Oriire school abduction has once again drawn national attention to the persistent security challenges facing schools in parts of the country. Education stakeholders have repeatedly warned that recurring attacks on schools threaten children’s right to education and could discourage enrolment if decisive action is not taken.
As discussions over the proposed UN investigation continue, many Nigerians are hopeful that the outcome will not only deliver justice for the victims but also lead to lasting reforms that will strengthen the protection of schools, rebuild public confidence, and ensure that similar incidents never happen again.
