Jimoh Ibrahim Is wrong: The United Nations can scrutinise Nigeria's school abductions

By Wale O. B. Adewale

Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has argued that the United Nations lacks the power to investigate the Oriire school abduction because it is a domestic security matter. That proposition sounds authoritative, but it is contradicted by both history and the United Nations' own record. It is a very bad way for Ibrahim to start an assignment on that world stage. 

The United Nations has, for more than a decade, examined mass school abductions in Nigeria. Following the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, on 14 April 2014, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), acting under its treaty mandate, launched an inquiry into Nigeria's handling of repeated abductions of women and girls.

On 6 March 2025, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced the Committee's findings, concluding that "grave and systematic violations" of women's and girls' rights persisted in Nigeria. The Committee held that the Nigerian state had repeatedly failed to prevent abductions, rescue victims, prosecute perpetrators and provide effective remedies. It specifically found that Nigeria had failed "to prevent abductions, rescue and protect women and girls from abduction and prosecute and adequately punish perpetrators."

Nor was Chibok an isolated intervention. Following the abduction of more than 300 schoolboys from the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, on 11 December 2020, and subsequent attacks on schools in Zamfara and Niger States in early 2021, United Nations human rights experts issued a statement on 11 March 2021 criticising Nigeria for failing to conduct "an impartial, independent investigation" into the incidents. They urged the authorities to establish accountability, strengthen protection for schools and provide urgent rehabilitation for traumatised children.

The intervention of the United Nations did not stop there. On 26 February 2021, following the abduction of students from the Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, through his spokesman, strongly condemned the attack, demanded the unconditional release of the students and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. Around the same period, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict repeatedly condemned attacks on schools in Zamfara, Kebbi and other parts of Nigeria, warning that the targeting of educational institutions constituted a grave violation of children's rights under international law.

Nothing in Governor Seyi Makinde's appeal falls outside this well-established pattern. He did not ask the United Nations to govern Nigeria, deploy troops or usurp the country's sovereignty. He merely requested an independent international inquiry into an atrocity that shocked the nation and attracted global attention. Such requests are entirely consistent with the work of UN human rights mechanisms, which exist precisely to examine grave violations wherever they occur.

Ambassador Ibrahim therefore mistakes scrutiny for sovereignty. The United Nations examines human rights questions not because it governs countries, but because states, including Nigeria, have voluntarily accepted obligations under international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

International scrutiny is not foreign occupation. It is one of the accountability mechanisms that responsible nations themselves helped to create.

If the United Nations could investigate the aftermath of Chibok (2014), scrutinise Kankara (2020), condemn Jangebe (2021), monitor attacks in Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger States (2021) and continue documenting Nigeria's recurring school abductions, there is no legal or moral reason why Oriire (15 May–10 July 2026) should suddenly become untouchable.

The real question, therefore, is not whether the United Nations can look into the Oriire abduction. The documentary record leaves little room for doubt that it can, and that it has repeatedly done so in comparable cases. 

The more pertinent question is this: if there is nothing to hide, why should anyone fear an independent inquiry?

*Adewale is a political scientist.

Makinde Has Cleared Over ₦80bn Pension, Gratuity Liabilities, Says Oyo Commissioner

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has paid more than ₦80 billion to settle outstanding pension and gratuity liabilities inherited from previous administrations in the State.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Solihu Adelabu, made this known on Monday during a sensitisation campaign on the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for enrollees in Ibadan Zones 1 and 2. The programme was held at Yejide Girls' Grammar School (Senior), Molete, Ibadan.

Prof. Adelabu said previous administrations left behind huge pension and gratuity arrears, noting that Governor Makinde has consistently prioritised the welfare of workers and retirees since assuming office.

According to him, the Governor began offsetting pension liabilities dating back to 2008 and has continued to clear the backlog while introducing reforms aimed at preventing future retirees from facing similar challenges.

He described the Contributory Pension Scheme as a sustainable and globally accepted retirement system designed to guarantee workers financial security after retirement.

The Commissioner explained that retirement is an inevitable stage in every worker's career, stressing the need for adequate preparation to ensure a comfortable and dignified life after active service.

He noted that the migration from the Defined Benefit Scheme to the Contributory Pension Scheme was introduced to address the shortcomings of the old pension system and guarantee the timely payment of retirement benefits.

Prof. Adelabu disclosed that Governor Makinde constituted a committee, chaired by former Oyo State Accountant-General, Alhaji Gafar Bello, to review the implementation of the CPS in the State. He said the committee, which comprised representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), worked for nearly two years to identify challenges and develop an implementation framework acceptable to all stakeholders.

He added that the National Pension Commission (PenCom) had commended Oyo State's implementation model, describing it as one of the best among the 36 States of the Federation.

The Commissioner further revealed that between 25,000 and 30,000 workers employed under Governor Makinde's administration would be enrolled in the Scheme.

He explained that while the Federal Government and many states contribute only 10 per cent each as the employers of Labour alongside employees' 10 per cent contributions, Oyo State has adopted a more favourable arrangement in which the State Government contributes 12 per cent, while employees contribute 8 per cent of their monthly salaries.

Prof. Adelabu also assured workers that Governor Makinde had approved the payment of outstanding pension contributions covering January 2025 to June 2026 for both the government's and employees' contributions.

He added that all contributors under the Scheme would enjoy life insurance coverage as an additional benefit.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State Post Service Board, Hon. Tunji Rafiu Adekunle, JP, described the sensitisation programme as another milestone in the State Government's commitment to building a reliable, predictable and sustainable pension system.

He explained that the Contributory Pension Scheme was designed to eliminate the challenges associated with the old Defined Benefit Scheme by ensuring regular pension contributions from both the employer and employees.

Hon. Adekunle urged workers and other stakeholders to actively support the implementation of the Scheme to ensure its long-term success.

He also assured workers that their pension contributions would be safe, explaining that the funds would be remitted directly to the respective Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) through secure accounts regulated by the National Pension Commission.

Speaking at the event, the Zonal Director of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mr. Mutiu Muslim, described PenCom as the Federal Agency responsible for regulating and supervising pension administration across Nigeria.

He said the sensitisation campaign was organised to address workers' concerns and misconceptions about the Contributory Pension Scheme, recalling that when the Scheme was introduced at the Federal Level in 2004, many Nigerians had reservations about it.

According to him, the Defined Benefit Scheme previously operated across the country had become unsustainable due to the growing backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities, resulting in prolonged hardship for retirees.

Mr. Muslim explained that the introduction of the CPS was intended to ensure that workers receive their retirement benefits promptly without depending on government allocations after retirement.

He noted that the Oyo State Government took the bold decision to implement the Scheme because the old pension system had become outdated and financially unsustainable.

He further stated that one of the main advantages of the CPS is its transparency, explaining that every worker is required to open a personal Retirement Savings Account (RSA), which remains the employee's personal asset throughout their career and cannot be tampered with, even in the event of resignation or termination of appointment.

Mr. Muslim added that under the Scheme, employees contribute 8 per cent of their monthly salaries, while the Oyo State Government contributes 12 per cent, making Oyo State the first employer in Nigeria to adopt the 12 per cent employer contribution. He said the combined 20 per cent monthly contribution provides workers with a stronger retirement savings plan and greater financial security after retirement.

CAC DCC Superintendent PASTOR STEPHEN AJAYI HAILS SAFE RESCUE OF ABDUCTED ORIIRE SCHOOL CHILDREN AND TEACHERS , SAYS GOD MANIFESTED HIS SUPREME POWER AND AUTHORITY.

 

A CAC District Coordinating Council   DCC Superintendent  PASTOR Stephen OLUWATOYIN Ajayi says it was God power and Authority that safed the abducted Oriire School children and their teachers  having  been in bondage of kidnappers for 54 days  before their release on Friday July 10 ,2026.. 

Speaking with Journalists in Ibadan the Oyo State Capital , Pastor Stephen AJAYI said if not for God who intervened in the affairs of man , the different would have been the story by now . 

He explained that  the prayers offered in various churches were answered  and  prevented the kidnappers from contemplating killing all the captives immediately after their abduction as the dare devilled kidnappers have nothing to loose if they killed all the victims but for God . 

While appreciating the Security Agencies for  the role they have played  over the safe rescue of the abductees , the Cleric ascribed all honour and adoration to Jesus Christ , the Son of God who is the Giver of wisdoms that led to safe release of the victims in the bondage of the kidnappers . 

Pastor Stephen AJAYI   appreciated God for protecting the victims in the thick forest for 54 days. 

The  Planter of CAC Victory Centre AkINGBADE Old Ife road  New GBAGI Ibadan commended the CAC Assemblies all over the world  for raising their voices in prayers towards the emancipation of those in bondage of the kidnappers.

Pastor Stephen AJAYI appreciated the CAC leadership under the President , Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele  for putting Nigeria forward  for prayers eulogizing the prayer foundation of CAC  for spiritual  intervention  in the affairs of the country .

CHAIRMANSHIP ASPIRANT FOR IBADAN NORTHWEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHIEF HON .EBENEZER OLAPADE HAILS OYO GOVERNOR OVER RESCUE OF ABDUCTED ORIIRE SCHOOL CHILDREN AND TEACHERS

 

The CHAIRMANSHIP Aspirants for Ibadan North West Local Government Onireke Ibadan in the forthcoming Oyo State Local Government Election , Chief  Honourable  Ebenezer Aanuoluwapo Olapade  has applauded the Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde  over his roles and logistic supports leading to safe rescue of 39  abducted school children and five teachers in Oriire Local Government  by Security Agencies last Friday. 

Speaking with journalists in Ibadan over the latest development on the release of the victims by kidnappers after 54 days of incarceration , Honourable  Ebenezer Olapade equally  eulogiZed the  professional acumen of security agencies  in tracking the kidnappers and overwhelming them leading to the safe rescue of the captives.

The  Ibadan NorthWest Local Government Hopeful praised Engineer Seyi Makinde for his resilience and courage with the cooperation of his Government with Security Agencies  to surmount the heinous acts of the kidnappers.

Honourable Olapade said by that singular act of Governor  Seyi Makinde , he had been vindicated and all efforts aimed at tarnishing his seven  years administration had been rendered potent .

He said in the last seven years of this government , Oyo State had witnessed unprecedented developments noting that the latest abduction of May 15; which was the second day. Governor Seyi Makinde declares his ambition to contest the presidential election has a political undertone  which will never stand as voters have the liberty to vote the candidate of their choice under the fledgling democracy .

Honourable Aanuoluwapo Olapade however urged Nigerians to support Allied Peoples Movement APM candidates at all levels of Government.

Chief Ebenezer Olapade urged the people of Oyo State to support the APM candidates for National Assembly Elections , State Assembly and Presidential Election as well as Local Government polls.

He noted with delight that the APM  Governorship candidate  remains the best calling on people of Oyo State to vote for him in February next year for the good work of Engineer Seyi Makinde to continue  uninterrupted.

The APM  Local Government  Aspirant said if voted into power , Ibadan NorthWest Local Government will witness accelerated development  saying he has all the attributes as a leader and he is well equipped administrative wise to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the grassroot.

He however seized the opportunity to call on APM members  to continue to go from house to house , area to area , Community to Community   to spread  the manifestoes of the party  on good governance , responsive and responsible  leadership  and welfare focused administration  if the party's candidates are voted in.

OYRLEA leads enforcement at Bodija and Sango Markets. 26 fined, 3 arrested

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), alongside the Environmental Task Force and Health Officers from the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has conducted a major enforcement operation against illegal street trading at Bodija and Sango Markets, Ibadan.

The exercise targeted traders who illegally occupied roadsides, walkways, drainage channels, and other unauthorized public spaces to restore order, ease traffic flow, and improve environmental sanitation.

During the operation, goods displayed in prohibited areas were impounded. The action followed repeated warnings to traders to vacate such spaces and comply with environmental laws.

26 traders were fined for violating the state’s environmental and street trading regulations. Three persons who obstructed enforcement officers were arrested and arraigned in court.

Commenting on the exercise, the OYRLEA Chairperson, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi Rtd. said, “indiscriminate street trading creates traffic congestion, blocks drainage and poses health and safety risks.”

The enforcement exercise was led by DCP Francis Ojomo (Rtd.), Chairman,  Environmental Task Force, and Iyabode Akinbode, Esq., Chief of Staff to the Chairperson, OYRLEA.

The Authority urged traders to operate only in designated market spaces and warned that enforcement will continue across markets and public places in Oyo State to ensure compliance and maintain a clean, safe, and orderly environment.

Ogbomosho Parapo Worldwide, Ibadan Chapter Commends Rescue of Kidnapped Students and Teachers

Ogbomosho Parapo Worldwide, Ibadan Chapter, expresses profound gratitude and commends the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and all security agencies for the successful rescue of the students and teachers who were kidnapped in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

We appreciate the courage, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by the security operatives throughout the rescue operation. Their efforts have brought immense relief and joy to the families of the victims and the entire Ogbomosho community.

While we celebrate this successful outcome, we urge the Federal and Oyo State Governments to further strengthen security across our communities, especially in vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such unfortunate incidents. The safety of our schools, students, teachers, and all citizens must remain a top priority.

Ogbomosho Parapo Worldwide, Ibadan Chapter, remains committed to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and sustainable development in our communities.

OYO ANCOPSS Hails Tinubu, Makinde, Security Agencies Over Rescue Efforts in Orire Abduction

 

The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Oyo State Branch, has received with profound joy, immense relief, and heartfelt gratitude the news of the safe release and return of the teachers and students who were abducted during the unfortunate incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State several weeks ago.

The painful period of their captivity was one that tested our faith, challenged our emotions, and united us in fervent prayers. Throughout those difficult days, we remained hopeful that they would return safely to their families, schools, and communities. Today, our hope has been rewarded, and our joy knows no bounds.

In a statement jointly signed by the State President of ANCOPSS,  Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, and the General Secretary, Mr. Omololu Dele Fleming, and made available to the media on Saturday, the Association reads:  On behalf of all principals of secondary schools in Oyo State, ANCOPSS expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, *His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,* for the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians and for the efforts that culminated in the successful release of the victims.

"We also convey our profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, *His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde,* whose administration demonstrated genuine concern, decisive leadership, and consistent commitment throughout this challenging period. His reassuring disposition and determination gave hope to the families, the education community, and indeed the entire state.

"Our sincere appreciation equally goes to the security agencies whose professionalism, courage, intelligence, and sacrifice contributed immensely to this successful outcome. We acknowledge that their relentless efforts, often carried out under difficult circumstances, made this joyful reunion possible.

ANCOPSS also extends heartfelt gratitude to the *Commissioner for Education, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, National ANCOPSS, TESCOM, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT),* Religious Organisations, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, Civil Society Organisations, the Media, and every well-meaning individual and Stakeholders who stood by us in prayers, advocacy, encouragement, and various forms of support throughout this trying period. Your solidarity reminded us that when a Community stands together, hope prevails even in the darkest moments.

To our dear Colleague, Teachers,Students, and Pupils who have now regained their freedom, we say: *welcome home.* We thank God for preserving your lives and granting you the strength to endure this traumatic experience. We pray that the Almighty grants you complete healing- physically, emotionally, and psychologically - and restores peace to your hearts and those of your families.

While we celebrate this joyful development, ANCOPSS reiterates the urgent need for sustained efforts toward strengthening security in and around our schools. Schools must remain safe havens for teaching and learning, not theatres of fear and uncertainty. We therefore call on all levels of government, security agencies, communities, and relevant stakeholders to intensify measures aimed at preventing any recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.

As a confederation, we remain committed to working collaboratively with the government and all relevant partners in promoting safe, secure, and conducive learning environments for every child and education worker across Oyo State.

Once again, we rejoice with the families of the released victims, the entire education sector, and all lovers of peace. Indeed, this is a victory for humanity, compassion, perseverance, and the power of collective prayer.