Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The decision follows the kidnapping incident that occurred on May 15, 2026, during which dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted before regaining their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
The development was announced in Ibadan by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who said the commission would be inaugurated on Friday.
According to Oyelade, the panel has been mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction, identify factors that contributed to the security breach, and recommend practical measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The commission will examine the events leading to the kidnapping, assess the response of relevant authorities, and recommend measures to improve security and safeguard schools and communities across the state,” the commissioner said.
The Oyo State Government said the establishment of the commission reflects Governor Makinde’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and independent investigation into one of the state’s most disturbing security incidents in recent years.
The governor had earlier expressed concerns over the circumstances surrounding the abduction, describing the incident as unusual and calling for a thorough investigation to establish the facts and determine whether there were institutional failures or lapses that contributed to the attack.
The inquiry is expected to review the actions of relevant security agencies and other authorities before, during, and after the incident, while recommending reforms aimed at strengthening the protection of schools and communities across Oyo State.
The abduction sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria, with many stakeholders calling for stronger security measures to protect pupils, teachers, and educational institutions from criminal attacks.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry is expected to submit its findings and recommendations after completing its investigation, providing a framework for improving security and preventing future attacks on schools within the state.
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