Jimoh Ibrahim Tells Makinde UN Cannot Intervene in Oriire Kidnapping
By Akin Alade
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has advised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to refrain from expecting intervention from the United Nations (UN) in the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area, stressing that the global body does not directly participate in such security operations.
The senator stated that the responsibility for tackling kidnappings and similar criminal activities lies primarily with Nigeria’s security agencies and relevant government institutions, not the United Nations.
Ibrahim made the remarks while reacting to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, a case that generated widespread concern across Nigeria before the victims were eventually rescued through coordinated security efforts.
According to him, the United Nations is not structured to deploy personnel for the rescue of kidnapping victims or intervene in domestic criminal incidents involving sovereign nations. He noted that the organisation’s mandate focuses largely on peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, conflict prevention, diplomacy and international cooperation.
The lawmaker urged Governor Makinde to continue strengthening collaboration with federal security agencies, intelligence services and local security outfits to prevent future attacks and improve the safety of residents across Oyo State.
He also stressed the need for sustained investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance and community policing, describing them as critical tools in addressing the growing challenge of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Oriire kidnapping attracted national attention after dozens of pupils and teachers were abducted while travelling in Oyo State. Their eventual rescue was widely welcomed by Nigerians, with security agencies receiving commendation for the operation.
Senator Ibrahim maintained that while international organisations can provide humanitarian or technical support in some situations, direct intervention in local kidnapping incidents remains outside the operational mandate of the United Nations.
The lawmaker called on all levels of government to remain focused on strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture to protect citizens and prevent similar incidents in the future.
