GSM Advocates Back Makinde’s Call for UN Probe Into Orire Kidnapping

A Social- political group, GSM Advocates, has thrown its weight behind Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his request for the United Nations to investigate the Orire school kidnapping.

The group said the governor’s request is aimed at ensuring an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, to identify the perpetrators, possible enablers, and the security failures that led to the abduction.

In a statement issued on Tuesday , GSM Advocates faulted the response of federal institutions to earlier allegations made against the governor by prominent political figures.

“When Wike and Fayose came out to claim that he sponsored the Orire kidnapping, the Senate and Abuja stayed mute. No condemnation. No investigation,” the group stated.

It added that the reaction only became pronounced after Makinde formally asked for an independent inquiry.

“But now that he has asked the UN for an independent investigation, so the real masterminds behind the Orire kidnapping can be unmasked, suddenly we have drama at the Senate and loud comments from Bayo Onanuga. It sounds laughable,” the statement read.

The group criticized the Senate’s position on rejecting the call for an independent probe, saying it suggests a lack of commitment to uncovering the truth.

“The Senate’s rejection of the call also shows that they do not want the truth to prevail,” GSM Advocates said.

According to the group, seeking an independent probe is within democratic norms and should not be misinterpreted as an invitation for foreign interference. They argued that an international inquiry would help increase scrutiny, put pressure on relevant authorities to strengthen security, and ensure that justice is done for the victims and their families.

“Seyi Makinde did nothing wrong. He only asked for an independent probe so that Wike and his errand boy Fayose will be exposed,” GSM Advocates said.

The group maintained that the governor’s action aligns with his long-standing advocacy for stronger security structures and accountability in governance. It noted that an independent investigation could also attract support for victims, including trauma care, funding, and rehabilitation programs.

GSM Advocates further called on political actors and stakeholders to allow due process and refrain from politicizing a matter that concerns the safety of children and communities.

“Please stop the intimidation. We are unperturbed. Truth must prevail,” the group added.

The controversy followed allegations by former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, linking Governor Makinde to the Orire abduction. The governor has denied the claims and insisted that an independent investigation is necessary to uncover the truth.

The case has continued to generate debate across party lines, with PDP stakeholders in Oyo and several civil society organizations expressing support for the call, while some federal officials have criticized it.

The hashtag #InvestigateOriireAbduction has also been trending on social media as Nigerians demand transparency in handling the matter.