‘They said I orchestrated Oriire abduction’ — Makinde

By Tolulope Oke

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that allegations linking his administration to the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area prompted him to establish an independent judicial inquiry.

Makinde spoke on Friday while inaugurating the Judicial Commission of Inquiry at the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan.

The commission will investigate the circumstances surrounding the 15 May 2026 abduction in Esiele and Yawata communities, identify institutional and operational failures and recommend measures to prevent another attack.

“They said I orchestrated the kidnap,” Makinde said.

The governor said the incident had been politicised, with some people accusing his administration of masterminding the kidnapping.

He maintained that the allegations made a transparent investigation necessary to uncover the truth and restore public confidence.

“The abduction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an attack on the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities,” he said.

“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.”

Although the victims were rescued, Makinde said the government’s responsibility did not end with securing their freedom.

“Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure,” he said.

“Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence.”

Makinde said he sought international support for an independent examination of the incident to ensure that every question was answered.

He stressed that the request was not intended to undermine the sacrifices or efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies.

The governor recalled that his father taught at St Luke’s in 1959 and explained that the incident made him consider how an abduction could permanently alter the lives of victims and their families.

The commission has been directed to establish the facts, identify lapses and recommend stronger measures for protecting schools and surrounding communities.

Makinde charged its members to work impartially and base their findings solely on evidence, the law and public interest.

“People may think you are being used for political purposes,” he told the panel.

“But because of your love for our state and country, you have agreed to serve.”

The governor gave the commission four weeks to submit its report but said additional time would be granted if necessary.

He also directed individuals, institutions and relevant agencies to provide any information required by the panel.

“As a government, we will provide every support required for this commission to carry out its assignment independently and professionally,” Makinde said.

Chairman of the commission and retired Court of Appeal Justice, Professor Mojeed Owoade, promised that the investigation would be guided strictly by facts and evidence.

“Nigerians should expect the truth and nothing but the truth,” Owoade said.

“In unravelling the truth, Nigerians should be assured that there will be no disappointments.”

Owoade acknowledged that the four-week deadline might be insufficient and said the commission would request an extension if necessary.