The judicial commission of inquiry set up by the Oyo State Government in the aftermath of the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, has commenced its investigation into the incident.
The commission, inaugurated by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde on Friday, was set up to investigate and determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction which occurred on 15 May, 2026 in Esinele and Yawota communities.
Mandate of the judicial commission of inquiry
The Commission was primarily set up with the aim to unravel the truth behind the heinous crime and prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
The Commission, in a public notice by its secretary, Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella, called on members of the public with relevant information to submit written memoranda to the Commission.
According to the notice, the memoranda should include any relevant information, facts, evidence, or materials relating to the abduction, covering, where applicable, the following:
•The circumstances leading to and surrounding the incident;
•The circumstances of the abduction and subsequent developments;
•Information on the security situation before, during, and after the incident;
•Any acts, omissions, or circumstances that may have contributed to the occurrence;
•The response of relevant authorities, institutions, communities, or individuals to the incident; and
•Recommendations considered appropriate for preventing a recurrence of similar incidents.
The notice further stated that persons submitting memoranda should provide their full names, contact details, and any supporting documents or materials, where applicable.
Members of the public were further directed by the notice that all memoranda should be addressed to:
The Secretary, Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Abduction of Students and Teachers in Esinele and Yawota Communities, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.
“Submissions may be made physically at the Commission’s Secretariat: Conference Room, Office of the Head of Service, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
“Or via email: oysjceoriireabduction@gmail.com
“All memoranda must be submitted on or before August 14, 2026,” it was stated in the public notice.
Governor Makinde, while inaugurating the Commission on Friday, had declared that its setting up was critical to preventing a recurrence of such tragedies.
“The abduction of innocent children and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area was not merely an attack on Ahoro Esinele and Yawota 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.
“While we remain grateful for the safe return of the victims, our duty does not end with their rescue.
“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,” he had stated.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry, during its inauguration, was given an initial period of one month to complete its assignment, with provision for an extension, if necessary, to ensure thoroughness.
This was as Governor Makinde assured that the state government would provide all necessary support to enable the commission to discharge its duties independently and professionally.
He also called on individuals, institutions, and relevant agencies to cooperate fully by providing information that would assist the inquiry.
Recall that 46 persons, including 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted in schools in Esinele and Yawota communities at about 9am on 15 May, 2026.
The abductees were taken into captivity for 56 days around the Old Oyo National Park.
The abduction attracted nationwide reactions and condemnations, just as pop music star, Davido, took the campaign against the incident to the global level.
Two teachers were killed by their abductors, while the 39 school pupils were eventually released in a dramatic circumstance, following the intervention of the Federal Government.
Security agents announced that some of the abductors were killed, and some others were arrested during the process of rescuing the victims and have been charged to court.
The Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, after the safe release of the abductees, however called on international bodies to investigate the circumstances of the abduction.
