Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed allegations that his administration had a hand in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
The governor made the remarks on Friday during the inauguration of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry at the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan. The panel has been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the May 15, 2026 kidnapping in the Esiele and Yawata communities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Makinde disclosed that some individuals had accused him of orchestrating the abduction, a claim he strongly denied.
“They said I orchestrated the kidnap,” the governor stated.
According to him, the controversy surrounding the incident made it necessary to establish an independent inquiry capable of uncovering the facts and restoring public confidence.
Makinde described the kidnapping as more than an attack on a few communities, saying it struck at the heart of education and the safety of children across Nigeria.
He stressed that although the victims had been rescued, the government’s responsibility extended beyond their release.
“Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence,” he said.
The governor revealed that he sought international support for an independent review of the incident to ensure every question surrounding the abduction is thoroughly answered.
He clarified that the move should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s security agencies but rather as an effort to ensure transparency and accountability.
Makinde also reflected on his personal connection to education, recalling that his father worked as a teacher at St. Luke’s in 1959. He said imagining the long-term impact of such an incident on children and their families reinforced the need for a comprehensive investigation. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry has been directed to:
- Establish the facts surrounding the abduction.
- Identify operational and institutional failures.
- Recommend stronger security measures for schools and surrounding communities.
- Suggest reforms that can prevent similar incidents in the future.
Makinde urged members of the panel to remain impartial and allow only evidence, the law, and the public interest to guide their work.
He acknowledged that some people might view the commission through a political lens but encouraged members to stay focused on discovering the truth.
The governor gave the commission four weeks to complete its assignment but assured members that additional time would be approved if necessary.
He also directed government agencies, institutions, and individuals with relevant information to cooperate fully with the investigation.
“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 panel and retired Court of Appeal Justice, Professor Mojeed Owoade, assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted fairly and objectively.
According to him, the commission’s findings would be based entirely on evidence.
“Nigerians should expect the truth and nothing but the truth. In unravelling the truth, Nigerians should be assured that there will be no disappointments,” Owoade stated.
He, however, noted that the four-week deadline may prove challenging and said the commission would seek an extension if more time is required to complete a thorough investigation.