Governor Seyi Makinde Monday called on the international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system to closely examine the facts surrounding the Ahoro-Esiele abduction of teachers and students and the circumstances of its resolution.
The governor who gave the task in a state wide broadcast on the safe return of the abducted Oriire teachers and students from the hands of the gunmen that abducted them in May this year, asked the people of Oyo to remain vigilant.
Gov Makinde said this became necessary in view of the fact that the threat posed by criminal elements that abducted the teachers and the students has not disappeared.
He said; “Leadership is ultimately measured not only by how we respond to tragedy, but by whether we learn from it and build stronger institutions afterwards. That is the commitment we make to the people of Oyo state today.
“The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility: our collective responsibility to establish the truth. The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions.
“I, therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the executive governor of Oyo state, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.
“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation will be held accountable.”
Governor Makinde stated that, “Under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primary responsibility for national security rests with the federal government and the security agencies under its command.”