The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga has hit back at the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations (UN)-backed investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers.

Makinde had on Monday urged the UN and other international human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

Armed bandits had on May 15, 2026 attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting the 39 pupils and six teachers.

In a statewide broadcast after the military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the state government, Makinde said the incident was “sufficiently grave and unusual” and requires independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Reacting, Onanuga said the governor’s request suggested a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, insisting that the military and other security agencies had already provided explanations on the rescue operation.

“The Governor has just expressed his opinion that the UN should probe this incident. Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained,” the presidential spokesman told The Punch.