IBADAN — Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that he was accused of orchestrating the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the allegation informed his decision to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the incident.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the commission at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde said the independent panel would investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15, 2026 abduction in the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities.
According to the governor, the commission has been tasked with identifying institutional and operational lapses that may have contributed to the incident and recommending measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“They said I orchestrated the kidnap,” Makinde said while addressing members of the commission.
He described the abduction of the students and their teachers as a direct attack on children’s right to education and the confidence of parents who send their children to school.
“The abduction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an attack on the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities; it was an attack on the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety and on the confidence of every parent who sends a child to school each day,” he said.
Makinde expressed gratitude over the safe return of the victims but stressed that rescuing them was only the beginning of the government’s responsibility.
“We remain grateful for the safe return of the victims. Rescue brings relief, and we are all relieved. But truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence,” he stated.
The governor added that the pursuit of justice goes beyond punishing offenders, emphasizing that the inquiry is also intended to uncover lessons that would strengthen security and protect schoolchildren from future attacks.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry is expected to conduct an independent investigation into the incident and submit recommendations aimed at improving safety and restoring public confidence.
Comments