Amanze Chinonye
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from Community High School, Ahoro Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area, citing chilling accounts from rescued victims that suggest the captors deliberately executed two teachers to pressure the government, Prime Business Africa reports.
The governor made the appeal on Monday as the Federal Government formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the Oyo State Government following their release from captivity.
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Speaking at the ceremony, Makinde said the circumstances surrounding the abduction had gone beyond an ordinary kidnapping case and warranted independent international scrutiny by the United Nations and other global human rights and accountability bodies.
The call comes after one of the rescued victims, Mrs. Rachael Folawe Alamu, the principal of Community High School, recounted how the abductors intentionally killed two members of staff while they were in captivity.
“The terrorists killed Mr. Michael, the first teacher, on the second day of our abduction, and killed Deacon, the second teacher, on the first Sunday of June. They killed them deliberately, believing it would force the government’s hands,” she said.»
The testimony painted a grim picture of the captors’ tactics, raising fresh concerns over possible violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws and reinforcing calls for accountability beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
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An emotional Makinde, while receiving the victims, thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security agencies, and Nigerians for their support throughout the rescue operation.
“I am short of words,” the governor said, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for the Federal Government’s intervention and to citizens whose prayers and solidarity sustained the victims’ families during the ordeal.
The successful rescue marked the end of a prolonged security operation involving the military and other security agencies. Although authorities have yet to disclose details of the operation, the Federal Government described it as a demonstration of the commitment of Nigeria’s security forces to protecting lives and restoring public confidence.
The Oriire abduction reignited concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria and underscored the continuing threat posed by armed groups targeting educational institutions. Makinde said the Oyo State Government would provide medical care, psychosocial support, and other rehabilitation services to the rescued victims while strengthening measures to improve security across the state.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
