Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of students and teachers in Esiele and Yawata communities of Oriire Local Government Area, saying the panel was set up to uncover the truth and restore public confidence.
The governor, who spoke at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said the decision became necessary following allegations in some quarters that his administration masterminded the May 15, 2026 incident.
“They said I orchestrated the kidnap. The abduction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an attack on Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities. It was an attack on the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety,” Makinde said.
He stated that while the victims were eventually rescued, government’s responsibility extended beyond securing their freedom.
“Rescue brings relief. But truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence” he said.
The governor explained that his call for an independent examination was not to undermine security agencies but to ensure all questions surrounding the incident were answered.
“That call was never about diminishing the efforts of our security agencies, whose sacrifices we acknowledge and appreciate. It was about ensuring that every lesson is learned ” he added.
Makinde , who recalled a personal experience to buttress his point said
“My own father taught in 1959. Let’s just assume that he got kidnapped and he was the one beheaded. I would never have been born. That is why we must get to the root of this”
The governor said the commission is saddled with the responsibility to establish the facts of the abduction, identify institutional or operational lapses, and recommend measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities.
“The assignment is clear: to establish the facts, identify any lapses, and help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again*,” he said.
He charged members of the panel to conduct their work with impartiality, professionalism and strict adherence to the law.
“Your work must be guided only by the evidence, the law and the public interest. Nigerians expect nothing less than an impartial, thorough and credible process” Makinde said.
The governor gave the commission four weeks to submit its report but promised to grant an extension if necessary. He also assured the panel of government’s full support.
Responding on behalf of the commission, its Chairman and retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Prof. Mojeed Owoade, assured that the inquiry would be guided by facts and evidence.
“Nigerians should expect truth and nothing but the truth. We have people of great experience and the highest integrity on this panel. In unravelling the truth, there will be no disappointments,” he said.
Owoade added that the commission would seek an extension if the one-month timeline proves inadequate.
Makinde concluded that societies become stronger by confronting difficult events honestly.
“May this commission help strengthen public confidence, honour the resilience of the victims and their families, and improve the security of our schools and communities”
