The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has thrown its weight behind Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s demand for an independent United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that the call is driven by the need for truth, accountability and justice rather than political interests.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party argued that the circumstances surrounding the mass kidnapping had raised several unanswered questions that warranted an impartial international investigation.
According to the NDC, an independent inquiry would help establish the full facts of the incident, identify any lapses, hold those responsible accountable and restore public confidence in the handling of the case.
The party dismissed suggestions that backing Makinde’s proposal was politically motivated, stressing that the safety of schoolchildren should never become a partisan issue.
“The move is not about politics but about ensuring that every question surrounding the incident is answered through a transparent, credible and independent process that Nigerians can trust,” the statement read.
The NDC maintained that the kidnapping of innocent pupils and their teachers was too serious to be reduced to political arguments or conspiracy theories, insisting that only a transparent investigation would provide lasting answers to Nigerians.
It further argued that involving an internationally recognised body would enhance the credibility of the findings and reassure citizens who have expressed concerns over the circumstances surrounding the attack and rescue operation.
The opposition party called on the Federal Government to embrace every lawful and credible effort aimed at uncovering the truth and preventing similar attacks on schools across the country.
According to the party, the protection of Nigerian children should rise above politics, institutional rivalry or conflicting narratives.
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“The safety and security of Nigerian children should not be subjected to political disagreements or speculation,” the NDC stated.
It urged the Federal Government to cooperate fully with any legitimate investigative process capable of clarifying what transpired during the abduction and subsequent rescue.
The party noted that beyond establishing responsibility, an independent investigation could expose operational weaknesses within Nigeria’s security architecture and help improve future responses to similar incidents.
It argued that the findings could contribute to stronger intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies and improved protection for schools, particularly those located in vulnerable rural communities.
According to the NDC, such a process would also reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and security institutions.
Governor Makinde had earlier appealed to the United Nations and other international accountability bodies to independently examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction and eventual rescue of the pupils and teachers.
The governor maintained that an external investigation would provide credibility to the findings and address lingering public concerns over how the incident unfolded.
The kidnapping, which drew nationwide outrage, reignited debates over the security of schools and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect pupils, teachers and educational institutions across Nigeria.
Reiterating its position, the NDC said only a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation would provide the answers Nigerians deserve while helping authorities develop more effective strategies to prevent future attacks on schools.