The Senate has urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to withdraw his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during deliberations on a separate motion commending President Bola Tinubu, the armed forces and security agencies for securing the victims’ release after 56 days in captivity.
Makinde had on Monday called on the UN and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 and their eventual rescue, saying such a probe would strengthen public confidence and ensure accountability.Reacting to the request, Oshiomhole described the governor’s position as “not statesmanly” and said it amounted to politicising a successful rescue mission. He urged the Senate to ask Makinde to stop trivialising the operation by demanding an international investigation.
Senator Aniekan Bassey backed Oshiomhole’s motion, which was approved after a second voice vote conducted by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary. The Senate thereafter adopted the additional resolution alongside its motion praising Tinubu, the armed forces and security agencies for the successful rescue. During the debate, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who represents Oyo North where the abduction occurred, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the military for ensuring the safe return of the victims and hoped the strategy would be replicated in other parts of the country.
Senator Adamu Aliero called on the military to intensify efforts to rescue other schoolchildren still being held by kidnappers, particularly those in Borno State.Senator Victor Umeh said the successful operation had boosted Nigerians’ confidence in the country’s security agencies, describing the rescue as proof that difficult security challenges could be overcome. He also praised the General Officer Commanding involved in the operation, saying the officer had demonstrated exemplary leadership.Senator Tahir Monguno appealed to the military to show the same urgency in rescuing children still in captivity in Borno State.
Senator Abdul Ningi urged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to sustain the inter-agency cooperation that contributed to the successful rescue and extend the approach to other security operations nationwide. Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua also encouraged the military to maintain the momentum until all Nigerians still in captivity are rescued. The Senate commended Tinubu for what it described as his decisive leadership and commitment to improving Nigeria’s security architecture.Lawmakers also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and other security personnel involved in the operation.
The upper chamber congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, while praying for the repose of the teacher who died during captivity. The Senate also paid tribute to military personnel F.A. Isaac, Silas Musa and Abena John Jerome, who lost their lives during the rescue mission, observing a minute’s silence in their honour. Lawmakers further commended Adamu Hussain for his bravery despite sustaining injuries during the operation and urged authorities to provide him with the best medical care and all his entitlements. The Senate called on the Federal Government to strengthen military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits through improved equipment, surveillance technology, intelligence gathering, logistics and better welfare for security personnel. Lawmakers also urged the prompt payment of death benefits, pensions, insurance claims and other entitlements owed to the families of fallen security officers. The Senate appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces and other security agencies by providing timely intelligence and cooperating with security efforts.
Source: https://www.thecable.ng/
