Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained that the decision to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of students and teachers in Esiele and Yawata communities of Oriire Local Government Area is aimed at uncovering the truth and clearing his administration of allegations surrounding the incident.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the commission at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, Makinde lamented that the school abduction became heavily politicised, with some critics going as far as accusing his government of masterminding the kidnapping.
According to the governor, such claims made it imperative to institute an independent investigation that would establish the facts and restore public confidence.
“They said I orchestrated the kidnap. The abduction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an attack on the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities. It was an attack on the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety and on the confidence of every parent who sends a child to school each day,” Makinde said.
While expressing gratitude that all the victims were eventually rescued safely, the governor maintained that the government’s responsibility did not end with securing their freedom.
He stressed that lasting justice requires accountability, transparency and lessons that would prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We remain grateful for the safe return of the victims, yet our duty did not end with their rescue. Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a 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,” he stated.
Makinde also shared a deeply personal reflection to illustrate why he considered a comprehensive investigation necessary.
Recalling his late father’s teaching career, the governor said he could easily relate to the fears and trauma experienced by the affected families.
“My father taught in 1959 at St. Luke’s after being posted there for teacher training. I was born eight years later. Imagine if he had been kidnapped and killed. I probably would never have been born. That reality informed my decision to call on the international community to support an independent examination of this incident,” he said.
The governor clarified that seeking international support was never intended to undermine the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, whose role in rescuing the victims he acknowledged and appreciated.
Rather, he explained, the objective was to ensure every question surrounding the incident receives credible answers.
“That call was never about diminishing the efforts of our security agencies. It was about ensuring every lesson is learned and every question that deserves an answer is answered. This Judicial Commission of Inquiry represents our commitment to that responsibility,” he added.
Makinde said the commission has been tasked with establishing the circumstances surrounding the abduction, identifying possible institutional or operational failures, recommending measures to improve the protection of schools and communities, and ensuring similar incidents do not happen again.
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He also commended members of the panel for accepting the assignment despite the politically sensitive atmosphere surrounding the investigation.
According to him, their willingness to serve demonstrates their commitment to the state’s interest above political considerations.
“This is a politically sensitive period, yet every one of you accepted this responsibility because of your love for Oyo State and Nigeria. I appreciate your commitment,” he said.
The governor urged the commission to carry out its assignment with professionalism, independence and fairness, insisting that its findings must be guided solely by evidence, the law and the public interest.
He gave the panel four weeks to conclude its work and submit its report but assured members that additional time would be granted if necessary to guarantee a thorough investigation.
Makinde further pledged the full support of the state government and called on individuals, institutions and relevant agencies to cooperate with the commission by providing all information required to help establish the truth behind the school abduction.