Oyo panel seeks public memoranda on Oriire abduction
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by the Oyo State Government to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area has invited members of the public to submit memoranda and evidence to support its investigation.
The panel said it is seeking information from victims, witnesses and other individuals with relevant knowledge of the incident. In a public notice issued on Monday, the commission said submissions should contain facts, evidence and recommendations relating to the abduction of students and teachers from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities, especially information on the events leading to the attack.
The commission directed that all memoranda should include the full names and contact details of contributors, alongside any supporting documents where applicable. It added that submissions can be delivered physically to the Conference Room of the Office of the Head of Service at the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, or electronically through its designated email address before the August 14, 2026 deadline.
The call for public memoranda comes days after Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated the eight-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to establish the facts surrounding the abduction that shocked residents of the affected communities. The governor said the panel was created to independently investigate the incident and recommend measures to strengthen security in schools and vulnerable communities.
Makinde explained that the commission was not intended to undermine the work of security agencies but to complement ongoing investigations by identifying lessons from the incident and recommending reforms that could improve public safety. He also indicated that additional time could be granted if necessary to enable the panel to complete a thorough investigation.
The commission is chaired by Professor Mojeed Owoade and includes Jibril Ibrahim, Mrs Ayo Obẹ, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ngozi Onadeko, Mr. Abimbola Orogade, retired Major General Sanusi Muazu and Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi, while Mrs Olamide Sandra serves as secretary. The governor gave the panel four weeks to complete its assignment.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when gunmen invaded three schools in Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers. The attack turned deadly after two teachers were killed while the victims were being held captive until their rescue on July 10.
Following the rescue operation, three suspects were charged with terrorism over their alleged involvement in the abduction. The Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently found them guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The commission’s findings are expected to influence future policies on school security and emergency preparedness in Oyo State.
