Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged the government to intensify efforts to rescue over 40 children abducted in Borno State, who have remained in captivity for 137 days. The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, the same day as a separate attack on a school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Makinde made the call while receiving the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry constituted to investigate the Oriire incident.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry was set up to investigate the May 15, 2026 abduction of students and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The commission's report would guide government decisions, assign responsibilities, and allow the public to monitor progress on measures taken following the incident. Makinde said the report would lead to decisions, assigned responsibilities, and progress that the public can follow.
Governor Makinde urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians to examine the evidence presented by the commission and the government's actions before, during, and after the attack. He requested that they judge the government's performance based on the full record and hold them accountable for the changes they promise. Makinde emphasized that the safety of children must be the test of what changes the government implements.
The abduction of over 40 children in Borno State has sparked widespread concern, with calls continuing for their safe rescue. The Borno victims have remained in captivity more than four months after the incident. Makinde stressed that no Nigerian child should have to fear for their life because they are trying to get educated. He said children across the country should be able to attend school without fearing for their lives.
Governor Makinde thanked those involved in the inquiry and urged continued action to strengthen the safety of schools and communities. He emphasized that the safety of children must ultimately determine whether measures taken by the government had produced meaningful changes. The governor's call for the rescue of the abducted Borno children has added to the growing pressure on the government to take action.
The May 15 abduction in Oriire occurred alongside a separate attack on a school in Borno State, where dozens of pupils and other children were reportedly abducted. The incident highlighted the growing insecurity in schools across Nigeria and the need for the government to take concrete measures to protect students and teachers. Makinde's call for intensified efforts to rescue the Borno children is a reminder of the government's responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Governor Makinde's remarks have sparked a renewed call for action to address the issue of insecurity in schools across Nigeria. The government has been urged to take concrete measures to prevent future attacks and ensure the safe release of the abducted children. The incident has also highlighted the need for increased collaboration between governments, security agencies, and communities to address the root causes of insecurity in schools.
Key points
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde urges intensified efforts to rescue over 40 children abducted in Borno State.
- The abducted children have been in captivity for 137 days, sparking widespread concern and calls for their safe rescue.
- Governor Makinde emphasizes that the safety of children must be the test of what changes the government implements.
