Oyo sets up panel to probe Oriire school abduction
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Government has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from the Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the panel will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, announcing that the commission would be inaugurated on Friday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
According to Oyelade, the commission has been mandated to investigate the events leading to the May 15, 2026, abduction of the pupils and teachers, establish the facts surrounding the incident and make appropriate recommendations to the state government.
He recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had promised to establish an independent inquiry during his statewide broadcast after the victims regained their freedom, describing the investigation as part of the administration’s commitment to accountability and improved security.
The commissioner added that the governor also called on the United Nations to participate in investigating the kidnapping, which lasted 56 days, noting that the administration wanted an open and credible process capable of identifying the factors responsible for the incident.
Oyelade said the establishment of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry demonstrates the government’s determination to uncover the truth behind the abduction, identify possible security lapses and recommend practical measures that would strengthen the protection of schools and communities across the state.
The abduction of the pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities attracted widespread attention across Nigeria before the victims were eventually rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, prompting renewed calls for improved security around educational institutions.
The Oyo State Government expressed confidence that the commission’s findings would help improve security policies, prevent similar incidents in the future and reinforce public confidence in the state’s commitment to protecting the lives of residents, particularly schoolchildren and teachers.
