Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured that his administration will thoroughly review the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The commission, headed by retired Justice (Prof.) Mojeed Owoade, submitted its report to the governor on Tuesday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor's Office in Ibadan. Makinde promised to implement necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry was inaugurated on July 31, 2026, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of students and teachers in Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The commission's mandate included establishing how the attack occurred, the information available before and during the incident, the response of relevant institutions, and whether there were intelligence, administrative, or operational failures. The governor paid tribute to the families of the victims and the abducted persons.
Governor Makinde noted that the incident had tested the security architecture put in place by his administration. He commended the chairman and members of the commission for completing their assignment despite what he described as a politically charged atmosphere. The governor said the government would carefully study the recommendations and take necessary steps to strengthen security at schools and communities.
The chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice (Prof.) Mojeed Owoade (rtd), said the panel undertook extensive investigations, including visits to the scenes of the incidents at Esinele and Yawota. The commission inspected the affected schools, went through surrounding bushes to obtain first-hand information, and conducted public hearings in Ikoyi-Ile, Ogbomoso, and Ibadan. A total of 72 witnesses, including victims, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, experts, and other stakeholders, provided evidence.
According to Justice Owoade, the report contained recommendations directed at the Oyo State Government, local governments, the Federal and state governments jointly, as well as recommendations specifically for the Federal Government. One of the major recommendations was the review of the laws and management of forest reserves, particularly the Old Oyo National Park. This measure aims to strengthen intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation while improving the protection of schools and communities across the state.
Governor Makinde also called for intensified efforts to secure the release of more than 40 children abducted in Niger State on the same day as the Oriire incident, who had remained in captivity for 137 days. The presentation was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin.
The governor promised that his administration would publicly respond to the findings, stressing that confidentiality would not be used as an excuse to avoid accountability. The government owes citizens answers, action, and an honest account of what must be done better to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, will review and implement recommendations from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire abduction.
