Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 16, 2026.
The commission is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the events that occurred during the victims’ weeks in captivity, and the circumstances surrounding their eventual release in July.
The victims were rescued after weeks in captivity, with the Presidency announcing their release on July 10, 2026, bringing an end to growing concerns over their safety.
Before setting up the commission, Makinde had called for an independent investigation by the United Nations and international human rights organisations, describing the circumstances surrounding the incident as “sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions.”
The governor also urged international bodies to closely examine the facts surrounding the abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.
According to the state government, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry will seek to establish what happened before, during and after the incident, while recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.
The inquiry comes amid growing concerns over the security of schools and communities across the state.
Makinde has repeatedly stressed that security is a shared responsibility, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
The commission is also expected to examine how the incident was handled, including the factors that may have contributed to the abduction and the circumstances surrounding the eventual release of the victims.
The governor said the inquiry is aimed at establishing the facts, strengthening accountability and improving security measures across Oyo State.
