Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from the Ahoro Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The move is aimed at uncovering the facts behind the incident, identifying any institutional failures and recommending measures to strengthen security in schools across the state.
The eight-member commission is chaired by retired Court of Appeal Justice, Prof. Mojeed Owoade, with Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella serving as secretary. Other members include Prof. Jibril Ibrahim, Mrs. Ayo Obe, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ngozi Onadeko, Mr. Abimbola Orogade, retired Major General Sanusi Nasir Muazu and Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi.
Speaking during the inauguration at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde described the kidnapping as an attack not only on the affected communities but also on the right of every Nigerian child to receive education in a safe environment.
“The abduction of innocent children and their teachers… 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.”
While expressing gratitude for the safe rescue of the victims, the governor stressed that the government’s responsibility did not end with their release. According to him, an independent inquiry is necessary to establish the truth, ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. He also clarified that the commission was not set up to undermine the efforts of security agencies but to complement ongoing efforts by identifying lessons that could improve the state’s security architecture.
Makinde directed the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction, determine whether security or administrative lapses contributed to the attack and recommend practical measures to better protect schools and vulnerable communities across Oyo State. The panel has been given an initial period of one month to submit its report, with the possibility of an extension if required.
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Recalling his personal connection to the affected area, the governor noted that his father taught at St. Luke’s, Ahoro Dada, in 1959. He said that experience reinforced his decision to seek an independent examination of the incident, including international support where necessary, to ensure that every question surrounding the kidnapping is answered.
Responding on behalf of the commission, Justice Owoade assured residents that the panel would carry out its assignment with professionalism, fairness and independence, pledging that its findings and recommendations would be guided solely by the truth.
The inauguration was attended by top government officials, members of the judiciary, security chiefs, traditional rulers, labour leaders, education stakeholders and representatives of the affected schools, underscoring the state’s commitment to ensuring accountability and improving the safety of pupils and teachers.
