The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Ahoro Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The commission is chaired by a former Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mojeed Owoade, with Olamide Tella serving as secretary. Other members are Jibril Ibrahim, Ayo Obe, Ngozi Onadeko, Abimbola Orogade, retired Major General Sanusi Muazu, and Folorunsho Osunrayi.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Friday, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde said the abduction was not only an attack on the affected communities but also a threat to the right of every Nigerian child to access education in a safe environment.
While expressing relief over the safe return of the victims, Makinde said the establishment of the commission was aimed at ensuring that lessons were learned, questions were answered, and measures were introduced to prevent a recurrence.
“The abduction of innocent children and their teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area was not merely an attack on the Ahoro and Yawota 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,” the governor said.
He added: “While we remain grateful for the safe return of the victims, our duty does not end with their rescue. Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent recurrence.”
Makinde stressed that the inquiry was not intended to undermine the efforts or sacrifices of security agencies involved in the rescue operation.
He charged the commission with determining the facts surrounding the incident, identifying any institutional or operational shortcomings, and recommending measures to strengthen security around schools and communities across the state.
The governor also recalled his personal connection to the affected area, noting that his father taught at St Luke’s, Ahoro Dada, in 1959. He said the experience reinforced his commitment to ensuring that an independent review of the incident was conducted.
The commission has been given one month to complete its assignment, with the possibility of an extension if required to ensure a thorough investigation. Makinde assured the panel of the state government’s support and urged individuals, institutions, and relevant agencies to cooperate by providing useful information.
In his remarks, Owoade assured the public that the commission would be guided solely by the pursuit of truth, adding that its members had the competence required to carry out the assignment.
The inquiry comes weeks after more than 40 students and pupils were abducted in the state. The victims were later rescued after spending about a month in captivity, following public pressure and protests by groups, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
