Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ahoro Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, saying the state must uncover the truth and strengthen measures to prevent a recurrence.
The commission, inaugurated on Friday, July 31, at the executive chamber of the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, is chaired by retired Court of Appeal Justice and legal scholar, Hon. Justice (Prof.) Mojeed Owoade, with Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella serving as secretary.
Other members include Prof. Jibril Ibrahim, Mrs. Ayo Obe, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ngozi Onadeko, Mr. Abimbola Orogade, retired Major-General Sanusi Nasir Muazu and Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi.
Addressing the panel, Makinde described the abduction as more than an attack on two communities, saying it struck at the heart of every child’s right to education and every parent’s confidence in the safety of schools.
While expressing gratitude for the safe rescue of the victims, the governor said the state’s responsibility did not end with their return, stressing that a thorough investigation was necessary to establish the facts, identify security or institutional lapses and recommend reforms that would prevent similar incidents.
He explained that the commission was not intended to diminish the efforts of security agencies involved in the rescue operation but to ensure that lessons were learnt and accountability promoted.
“Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent recurrence. Justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing; it is about learning enough to ensure that the innocent are never again placed in harm’s way,” Makinde said.
The governor also recalled his family’s connection to the affected community, noting that his late father taught at St. Luke’s, Ahoro Dada, in 1959.
He said the experience deepened his resolve to seek an independent inquiry, remarking that had his father fallen victim to such an attack, “I might never have been born.”
Makinde gave the commission an initial one-month mandate, with the option of an extension if required, and assured members of the state government’s full support to enable them carry out their assignment independently and professionally.
He also urged individuals, institutions and security agencies to cooperate fully with the panel.
Speaking on behalf of the commission, its chairman, Justice Owoade, assured residents that the inquiry would be guided strictly by facts and truth, expressing confidence in the expertise and integrity of members.
The inauguration was attended by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Chief Judge of Oyo State Justice Iyabo Yerima, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Biodun Aikomo, top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour representatives and community leaders from the affected areas.
