The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against making statements capable of undermining the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping, following his call for a United Nations investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The warning came during plenary as lawmakers considered a motion on the successful rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers who were kidnapped by armed terrorists.
While applauding the outcome of the operation, senators urged political leaders to avoid comments that could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
The upper chamber commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the Armed Forces and other security agencies to deploy every available resource towards securing the unconditional release of the victims.
The lawmakers described the rescue mission as a major security success achieved through effective collaboration among the military, police and intelligence agencies.
According to the Senate, the operation, which lasted more than 50 days, resulted in the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, the arrest of eight suspected terrorists and the elimination of several others during security operations.
Despite celebrating the achievement, senators paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives while carrying out the rescue mission.
They honoured Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, who made the ultimate sacrifice, while also recognising Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the operation.
The lawmakers also expressed sympathy over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by criminal groups operating across parts of the country.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements to the families of the fallen security personnel.
It also called for improved welfare packages, modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology and better intelligence support for security agencies.
The chamber further appealed to security authorities to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers and terrorist groups, stressing that the fight against insecurity must remain a national priority.
The caution directed at Governor Makinde followed his recent appeal for the United Nations to investigate the Oriire school abduction, a proposal that has generated widespread debate over whether such matters should be handled solely by Nigeria’s domestic institutions.
