Political analysts have described Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for the United Nations to investigate the Oriire kidnapping as a “welcome development,” arguing that an independent probe is necessary to get to the root of recurring insecurity.
“Governor Makinde’s call for the UN to investigate this matter is a welcome development. If you’re not carrying something on your head, there’s no fear of breaking anything,” the analysts stated in a joint commentary on Tuesday.
The analysts said the push for an international investigation reflects growing public demand for transparency and accountability in handling cases of abduction and violent crime.
They drew parallels with past revelations about kidnappings in Nigeria, referencing comments by former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
“Recently, former Governor Kayode Fayemi openly confessed that the Chibok kidnapping was an organized crime by the opposition during the Jonathan administration aimed at discrediting and subjecting that administration to imbalance,” the analysts noted.
They questioned the pushback against Makinde’s request, given the current political alignment.
“If today those in the opposition back then are now in power and Governor Seyi Makinde is calling for an independent investigation to unravel puzzles around kidnapping of citizens of his state, why should anyone be jittery?” they asked.
According to the analysts, persistent insecurity poses a major threat to national development.
“No nation can truly develop under the constant threat of repeated kidnappings and violent insecurity. This is why many people believe there is a need for an independent and credible international probe into these recurring incidents, so that the root causes, possible failures, and any hidden interests behind them can be thoroughly investigated.”
They added that such a probe could help identify systemic lapses, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and restore public confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens.
The governor’s request has continued to spark debate. While some federal officials and lawmakers have criticized it, civil society groups and stakeholders in Oyo have expressed support, calling for a transparent process to uncover the facts behind the Oriire abduction.
