Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, inaugurated a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent abduction of school-children and teachers in Ahoro Esinele and Yawota communities, Oriire Local Government Area.
Recall that the school pupils amd their teachers, who were abducted on 15 May, 2026, were eventually released after spending 56 days in captivity.
The commission is chaired by Hon. Justice (Professor) Mojeed Owoade (rtd), a former Justice of the Court of Appeal, with Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella serving as the secretary.
Other members included Professor Jibril Ibrahim, Mrs. Ayo Obe, AIG Ngozi Onadeko (rtd), Mr. Abimbola Orogade, Major Gen. Sanusi Nasir Muazu (rtd), and Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi.
The inauguration was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde explains essence of the Commission of Inquiry
Governor Makinde emphasised that the incident was not merely an attack on two communities but an assault on the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety, and on the confidence of parents who send their children to school daily.
The governor expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims and explained that the establishment of an independent commission was aimed at ensuring that all lessons were learned and all pertinent questions answered.
The governor stressed that the initiative was not intended to diminish the efforts and sacrifices of security agencies.
He charged the commission with the responsibility of establishing the facts, identifying institutional or operational lapses, and recommending measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities across Oyo State.
He declared that the work of the commission was critical to preventing a recurrence of such tragedies.
The governor stated: “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.”
Governor Makinde further recalled his personal connection to the community, noting that his father taught at St. Luke’s, Ahoro Dada, in 1959.
He remarked that, if his father had been kidnapped and killed at that time, he himself might never have been born.
He explained that the experience reinforced his resolve to call for international support in conducting an independent examination of the incident.
The commission was given an initial period of one month to complete its assignment, with provision for an extension, if necessary, to ensure thoroughness.
The governor 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.
In his remarks to journalists, the chairman of the commission, Hon. Justice (Professor) Mojeed Owoade (rtd), assured the public that the commission would operate solely on the truth and expressed confidence in the competence of its members.
The inauguration was attended by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, PhD;
Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Biodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi;
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Executive Adviser to the Governor on Security Coordination, Major-Gen Lukman Omoniyi (rtd); Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd);
Special Adviser to the Governor on Immigration and Homeland Security, ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd); Commandant, Amotekun Corps, Col Olayinka Olayanju (rtd); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Hon Victor Olojede;
The Principal, Ahoro-Esinele Community High School, Mrs Rachel Alamu; her husband, Professor Wale Alamu; Headmaster, Baptist Basic Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Mr Adejumo Gabriel, and the Headteacher, Local Authority Basic School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mr Jacob Sunday.
Also in attendance were Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Chief Wole Oyelese; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda;
Oyo State Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi; Chief Bayo Oyero; former Chief Medical Director, University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge; service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and labour union leaders, among others.
