PBAT group knocks Makinde over reported call for UN probe, backs Tinubu on Oriire rescue

9iBy Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his reported call for a United Nations investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as politically motivated.

The group, however, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a coordinated security response that led to the safe rescue of the abducted victims after 56 days in captivity.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Lagos State Coordinator of the movement, Amosu Kazeem Oluwatomi.

According to the statement, the movement said Governor Makinde’s reported request for an independent international investigation into the incident amounted to a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, including the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.

It maintained that the security agencies made enormous sacrifices during the operation and deserved commendation for their efforts.

The group also questioned the Oyo State Government’s security measures before the abduction, asking what steps were taken to protect communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park and why local intelligence allegedly failed to prevent the victims’ prolonged captivity.

Commending President Tinubu’s handling of the crisis, the statement said the Federal Government remained committed to securing the victims’ release without negotiating with the kidnappers.

It stated: “The Tinubu administration stood firm, neutralised key terror informants, arrested eight core members of the syndicate currently in DSS custody, and insisted that the rule of law take its course against detained kingpins.”

The group urged Governor Makinde to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies instead of seeking international intervention, stressing that security remains a shared constitutional responsibility.

It also called on the Oyo State Government to improve security around schools in line with the President’s directive, while wishing the rescued pupils, teachers and their families speedy recovery as they undergo medical and psychosocial rehabilitation