Makinde Faces Backlash Over Call for International Probe

On July 10, 2026, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde commended security forces for successfully rescuing 44 students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. He expressed gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their efforts.

However, Makinde's conciliatory tone shifted by July 13, as he called for an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping, suggesting a lack of trust in domestic institutions. This request led to a political firestorm, with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing him of politicizing the incident.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Tinubu, questioned the rationale behind Makinde's request, arguing that no security agency would allow schoolchildren to remain captives for 56 days. The Senate, led by Adam Oshiomhole, adopted a resolution asking Makinde to withdraw his request for an international probe.

Despite the backlash, many Nigerians supported Makinde's call for accountability regarding the incident.