56 Days After Oyo School Abduction, Presidency, Makinde Clash Over UN Probe as Children Begin Recovery
Child protection rights groups have insisted that the primary thrust of the investigation into the abduction of 45 pupils and teachers in Oyo State be accountability, justice and long-term support for the affected persons.
The Presidency on Monday lashed out at Governor Seyi Makinde’s demand for a probe into the abduction by the United Nations, saying the move is unnecessary and politically motivated. The governor, however, argued that an independent investigation would assist in uncovering the truth, uncovering any institutional weaknesses and bolstering the public’s faith in the efforts to safeguard children from future attacks.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped by armed bandits in the three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 and held for 56 days before they were freed. In the process of this ordeal, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun was killed and survivors were subjected to repeated movement through forests, fear and trauma.
The Oyo State Government, the Governor said, has taken over the welfare, rehabilitation, medical, psychological and further education of the children, noting that their recovery will continue to be the focus. The children affected have been medically evaluated prior to the family reuniting.
The Presidency said it believed the Nigerian security agencies had already briefed the public on the operation and that an international probe would affect the trust and confidence in the Nigerian security agencies. But a number of opposition parties rallied to Makinde’s appeal, suggesting an independent inquiry could enhance transparency and contribute to preventing further such incidents.
Experts say efforts should go beyond freeing affected persons, from a child safeguard standpoint. Children who have suffered the effects of armed violence require comprehensive trauma care, family reunification, continuity of education, accountability of perpetrators and greater security measures for schools in order to be able to rebuild, and to prevent future abductions.
