ABUJA — Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s request for a United Nations investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, stating that such matters fall outside the mandate of the global organisation.
In a statement issued by his media office in New York, Ibrahim explained that the United Nations does not intervene in the internal security affairs of sovereign member states. He maintained that incidents involving domestic security are the constitutional responsibility of national and sub-national authorities, not international bodies.
According to the envoy, the recent abduction in Oyo State should be addressed through Nigeria’s existing security institutions, with state and federal governments taking the lead in preventing similar incidents and strengthening public safety.
Rather than seeking international intervention, Ibrahim urged Governor Makinde to concentrate on improving security measures across the state and providing continued support for the victims and their families.
He commended Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing the rescue as a significant achievement. He also congratulated Nigerians on the successful operation.
Ibrahim, however, called on the Oyo State governor to publicly apologise to the rescued pupils, their teachers and affected families, saying such a gesture would demonstrate compassion, accountability and responsible leadership following the traumatic incident.
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs further appealed to the Oyo State Government to provide adequate assistance to the families of any teachers who may have lost their lives during the abduction.
He stressed that protecting lives and educational institutions requires a collective effort, urging state governments across the country to invest more in preventive security measures, strengthen collaboration with security agencies and prioritise the safety of schools.
Ibrahim, who currently serves as Chairman of the United Nations Fifth Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Matters, said creating secure learning environments must remain a top priority for governments at all levels.
His remarks followed Governor Makinde’s appeal on Monday for the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, which occurred on May 15.
Speaking while receiving the rescued pupils and teachers at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde argued that the circumstances surrounding the incident warranted an independent international investigation.
The governor said the proposed inquiry was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s institutions but to strengthen public confidence, establish the full facts surrounding the abduction and promote accountability.
The differing positions have sparked debate over the appropriate approach to addressing major security incidents, with questions raised about the role of international organisations in matters considered to be within the domestic jurisdiction of sovereign nations.
Jimoh Ibrahim Rejects Makinde’s Call for UN Probe into Oyo School Abduction, Urges Focus on Security
