Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Friday inaugurated an 8-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of students and teachers in Esiele and Yawata communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The inauguration was held at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The panel is to probe the May 15, 2026 incident and is chaired by retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Professor Mojeed Owoade.
Governor Makinde said the commission became necessary following allegations in some quarters that his administration masterminded the abduction.
According to him, the independent panel was set up not to undermine security agencies but to ensure every lesson is learnt, every question is answered, and the facts of the incident are established.
The governor said: “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 stated.
He noted 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.”
Makinde charged the commission to establish the facts of the abduction, identify institutional or operational lapses, and recommend measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities to prevent a recurrence.
“The assignment is clear, to establish the facts, identify any lapses, and help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” he said.
The governor gave the panel four weeks to submit its report, but said it could request an extension to ensure a thorough job. He assured the commission of government’s full support to operate independently and professionally.
Citing a personal experience, Makinde said: “My own father taught in 1959. Let’s just assume that he got kidnapped and he was beheaded. I would never have been born. That is why we must get to the root of this.”
He urged members 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 added.
Responding, the Chairman, Prof. 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.”
Members of the Commission are:
Prof. Mojeed Owoade, Chairman; Prof. Jibril Ibrahim; Mrs. Ayo Obe; AIG Ngozi Onadeko (Rtd); Mr. Abimbola Orogade; Maj. Gen. Sanusi Muazu (Rtd); Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi; and Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella, Secretary.