Ejiofor Commends Security Forces, Calls For Investigation of Gov Makinde’s Political Motive Allegation over Oyo school children abductions
By Chukwudi Ebele
As Concerned Nigerian citizens heave a sigh of relief over the return of the teachers and school children kidnapped on May 15, 2026 at Oyo, Human Rights Lawyer and Social Critic Sir Ifeanyichukwu Ejiofor Esq has commended the gallantry of the Joint Security Task force.
However, in his recent article titled ‘THE RESCUE OF THE OYO SCHOOL CHILDREN: THE HEROISM OF OUR SECURITY FORCES DESERVES APPLAUSE—BUT GOVERNOR MAKINDE’S ALLEGATION OF POLITICAL MOTIVE MUST NOT BE SWEPT UNDER THE CARPET’ has called for a proper investigation into the comments made by Governor Makinde which alleged that the abductions were politically motivated.
According to Ejiofor, Nigeria’s political landscape demands constant vigilance and measured reflection. Every major security incident must be examined beyond its immediate outcome, particularly against the backdrop of our nation’s painful history, where the rescue of kidnapped victims, especially in parts of Northern Nigeria, has, on several occasions, been shadowed by allegations of ransom payments, whether by governments, families, or other intermediaries.
“It was, therefore, profoundly relieving to witness the safe rescue and reunion of the abducted school children and their teachers with their respective families. The joy of seeing these innocent victims breathe the air of freedom once again cannot be overstated. Their rescue is a welcome reminder that hope still survives amidst despair.
“Yet, one cannot help but ponder the psychological scars these innocent children may carry. What thoughts now occupy their young minds? What wrong did we commit to deserve such cruelty? Is the classroom still a place of hope or has it become a theatre of fear? Should we ever return to that school? These are not rhetorical questions for public sympathy alone; they are sobering reminders of the human cost of insecurity.
“I must, therefore, most respectfully commend the gallant officers and men of the combined security forces who executed this highly successful rescue operation under the coordinating command of Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife – the General officer commanding ( GOC) of the 2 Division of the Nigeria Army Ibadan Their professionalism, courage and tactical coordination deserve the appreciation of every patriotic Nigerian.
“The operation reinforces an important truth: insecurity in Nigeria is not an insurmountable challenge. Whenever our security agencies are adequately coordinated, intelligence-driven and insulated from internal sabotage, remarkable results inevitably follow. If this level of operational effectiveness can be replicated consistently, there is no reason vast portions of Northern Nigeria should remain under the suffocating grip of terrorists and criminal gangs.
“However, as this significant victory against terrorism is celebrated , another issue of grave national importance has emerged; one that deserves equal attention.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has called for international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including the involvement of the United Nations, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction, particularly his allegation that the incident was politically motivated.
“This is no ordinary political rhetoric to be dismissed with the customary wave of the hand. It is an allegation of extraordinary gravity. If indeed innocent school children were abducted as instruments in a political chess game, then such conduct would represent one of the darkest assaults on our democracy and collective humanity.
“Equally, if the allegation cannot be substantiated, the public equally deserves clarity.
“Governor Makinde is not an uninformed commentator. By virtue of his constitutional position as the Chief Security Officer of Oyo State, it is reasonable to presume that such a serious assertion was not made casually or without some intelligence or information available to him. That, in itself, makes the allegation far too weighty to be treated in the familiar Nigerian tradition of allowing uncomfortable questions to disappear beneath the next news cycle.
“If there are indeed individuals who conceived, financed, sponsored or politically orchestrated the abduction of innocent school children for partisan advantage, Nigerians deserve to know who they are. Such conduct transcends politics; it is a direct assault on national security, constitutional democracy and the sanctity of human life.
“The Federal Government, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and every other relevant security and intelligence institution owe Nigerians a solemn duty to investigate this allegation with utmost diligence, professionalism and independence. No individual, regardless of political status or influence, should be above scrutiny where the lives of innocent children are concerned.
“This investigation must not become another exercise in official symbolism or bureaucratic theatre. It must be thorough, transparent and conclusive, with its findings published for Nigerians to scrutinize. The nation deserves facts, not whispers; accountability, not conjecture; justice, not convenient silence.
“History will not merely remember that some children were rescued. It will also ask whether Nigeria possessed the courage to expose everyone behind their ordeal, irrespective of whose political ox was gored.
“The rescue operation deserves applause. The truth behind the abduction deserves no less,” Ejiofor added.
