Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

Mr Makinde said the incident raises questions that require independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

He made the call on Monday in a statewide broadcast hours after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the state government following their release after spending 56 days in captivity.

Mr Makinde said while the victims had regained their freedom, the circumstances surrounding the incident were “sufficiently grave and unusual” to warrant an independent review.

“The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility, and our collective responsibility to establish the truth,” Mr Makinde said.