Oyo Abduction: UN Does Not Interfere in Domestic Affairs, Jimoh Ibrahim Tells Makinde
Adedokun Waliyu
2 min read
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, stating that the UN does not intervene in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
In a statement issued by his media office in New York, Ibrahim explained that issues relating to internal security are the responsibility of national and sub-national governments. He stressed that the United Nations has no mandate to investigate domestic security incidents such as the recent abduction in Oyo State.
He advised Governor Makinde to focus on strengthening security within the state and providing support to the victims and their families instead of seeking intervention from the international organisation.
While congratulating the Nigerian security agencies on the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, Ibrahim called on the governor to publicly apologise to the victims and their teachers. According to him, such an apology would demonstrate empathy, accountability and responsible leadership following the unfortunate incident.
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs also urged the Oyo State Government to provide adequate support for the families of any teachers who may have lost their lives during the abduction.
He further emphasised that security is a shared responsibility and called on state governments across Nigeria to invest more in preventive security measures, strengthen collaboration with security agencies and prioritise the protection of schools and other learning institutions.
According to Ibrahim, ensuring a safe learning environment for children should remain a top priority for governments at every level.
Governor Makinde had earlier appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from 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. He maintained that such a probe would not undermine Nigeria’s institutions but would help establish the full facts of the case, promote accountability and strengthen public confidence.
