Reason Above Politics: Ogunsina Oluwaseun Micheal Makes the Case for an Independent Probe into the Oriire Kidnap
Ogunsina Oluwaseun Micheal writes in support of Governor Seyi Makinde:
I have always admired reason. I value deep thinking and appreciate people who can analyse issues beyond sentiments, political affiliations and personal biases.
I have great respect for individuals who subject every matter to careful reasoning and proper contextual understanding. Such people will always earn my admiration and support. That is why personalities like Titilope Gbadamosi and Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele have consistently remained among the people I admire within the APC.
Now, let us objectively examine the sequence of events surrounding the tragic kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The abduction of 46 pupils, teachers and other victims in Oriire Local Government shocked the nation and attracted widespread condemnation. The incident immediately became a major security concern, prompting coordinated efforts by both the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government to secure the victims' freedom.
Following the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde addressed the public through a press briefing, where he provided updates on the rescue efforts being coordinated with federal, state and local security agencies. He also informed residents about the surveillance aircraft acquired by the Oyo State Government to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve the state's security architecture.
The governor reportedly suspended several official engagements to concentrate on the crisis. Relief materials were delivered to the affected communities, security operations were intensified and he personally visited the families of the victims to reassure them that every lawful effort was being made to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
Despite these efforts, some critics began calling for a State of Emergency in Oyo State, accusing Governor Makinde of failing in his responsibility as the state's Chief Security Officer.
Governor Makinde responded by reiterating that governors do not exercise operational command over the Nigeria Police, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services or other federal security agencies. He renewed his longstanding advocacy for the establishment of State Police, arguing that governors cannot be held fully accountable for security without corresponding constitutional authority—an argument he has consistently advanced since assuming office in 2019.
The debate quickly became politicised, with several online commentators rejecting his position and defending the existing federal security structure.
The controversy deepened after a former governor alleged that the kidnapping was intended to destabilise President Bola Tinubu's administration. According to the writer, another presidential ally publicly echoed similar claims, further escalating political tensions surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu also renewed his support for the establishment of State Police, urging the National Assembly to accelerate constitutional amendments that would empower governors with greater security responsibilities. Discussions on State Police had existed before the incident, but the Oriire tragedy brought renewed urgency to the national conversation.
Following 56 days in captivity, the Presidency announced that the victims had regained their freedom through a coordinated multi-agency security operation involving the military, police, DSS, intelligence agencies, Amotekun and local security groups. The operation reportedly led to the arrest of several suspected kidnappers while others were neutralised. Nigerians celebrated the victims' return while mourning those who lost their lives during the ordeal.
Governor Makinde publicly expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Federal Government and the security agencies for their efforts. He also reaffirmed that the Oyo State Government would continue doing everything within its constitutional powers to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Security personnel involved in the operation also acknowledged the logistical support, motivation, encouragement and collaboration received from the Oyo State Government throughout the rescue efforts.
Subsequently, Governor Makinde called for an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping. According to him, such a probe would clear any allegations of complicity against the state government, identify possible saboteurs or collaborators and provide lasting closure for the victims, their families and the people of Oyo State.
The governor's call has generated mixed reactions. While critics oppose the proposal, supporters argue that an independent investigation could answer lingering questions, strengthen public confidence and expose any institutional failures that may have contributed to the incident.
Adding another layer to the controversy, two of the freed victims reportedly claimed that they were released by their captors rather than rescued through a military confrontation, alleging that no gunfire was exchanged on the day they regained their freedom. This account differs from the official position of the Federal Government, which maintains that the victims were rescued through a coordinated security operation. These conflicting narratives have further fuelled calls for an independent investigation to establish the complete facts.
For those who choose to interpret every issue solely through the lens of partisan politics, I do not expect this position to be easily understood.
As for me, I join Governor Seyi Makinde in calling for a comprehensive investigation into the Oriire kidnapping. The people of Oyo State deserve the truth. Nigeria deserves the truth. President Bola Tinubu deserves to know whether there were saboteurs, collaborators or institutional failures behind one of the most disturbing security incidents in the state's recent history.
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