LAGOS PDP BACKS GOVERNOR SEYI MAKINDE’S CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL INQUIRY INTO ORIIRE SCHOOLCHILDREN ABDUCTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAGOS PDP BACKS GOVERNOR SEYI MAKINDE’S CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL INQUIRY INTO ORIIRE SCHOOLCHILDREN ABDUCTION

LAGOS, NIGERIA – 15 JULY, 2026*- The Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wholeheartedly supports the courageous and patriotic call by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Presidential Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the PDP-APM Alliance, for an independent international investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Governor Makinde’s position is both responsible and necessary. The kidnapping of innocent school children, their prolonged captivity, and the circumstances surrounding their eventual rescue raise serious questions that deserve transparent answers. In every democratic society, the pursuit of truth and accountability must never be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience.

It is therefore disturbing that elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appear uncomfortable with calls for an independent investigation. This naturally raises an important question. Why is the APC jittery about an independent inquiry? If there is nothing to hide, then no individual, institution, or political party should be afraid of a thorough and impartial investigation.

Equally troubling is the apparent resistance from certain quarters within the Presidency to calls for broader scrutiny of the incident. Nigerians are entitled to ask. Why is the Presidency afraid of the truth? A government confident in its actions and committed to transparency should welcome every legitimate effort aimed at uncovering the facts and strengthening public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.

The Lagos State PDP firmly believes that the search for truth should transcend political affiliations. The welfare and safety of Nigerian children must remain a national priority. Should Nigerians not be interested in the truth? Should parents not know exactly what happened? Should citizens not demand full accountability in matters involving the security of schoolchildren? These are legitimate questions that deserve honest answers.

Governor Makinde has made it clear that his call is not about politics but about justice, accountability, and restoring public confidence. We agree completely. The victims, their families, and indeed all Nigerians deserve to know the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Independent scrutiny can only strengthen public trust and reinforce confidence in our institutions.

Consequently, the Lagos State PDP joins His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State and Presidential Candidate of the APM in the PDP-APM Alliance, in calling for a comprehensive international investigation into the Oriire schoolchildren abduction. We specifically support calls for relevant international bodies, including agencies of the United Nations, global human rights organizations, and where appropriate, the United States intelligence community, including the CIA, to assist in uncovering the truth behind this unfortunate incident. The United States and its allies have consistently demonstrated interest in combating terrorism and violent criminal activities across the world, and Nigeria should not be an exception where the safety of innocent children is concerned.

The truth should never be feared. Transparency should never be resisted. Accountability should never be politicized. If the facts support the official narrative, then an independent investigation will only validate it. If there are questions that remain unanswered, then Nigerians deserve to know the truth.

The Lagos State PDP remains committed to justice, transparency, and the protection of every Nigerian child.

Signed

Prince Dr. Christopher Odianarewo Dis.FCILMMD MNIIA

Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary