Posted by Chinenye on Fri 31st Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has opened up on the controversy surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
(Seyi Makinde. Photo by Guardian Nigerian News)
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde explained on Friday how he was accused of arranging the Oriire school abduction.
Makinde stated that the decision to form a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of children and teachers in the Esiele and Yawata towns of Oriire Local Government Area was made to refute allegations that he was responsible for the abduction.
The governor spoke during the inauguration of the commission at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor's Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
He noted that the panel would independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15, 2026 abd*ction, identify institutional and operational failures, and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
He said some had accused him of orchestrating the kidn@pping, but stressed that the abd*ction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an att@ck on the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities.
But an att@ck 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.
He said the government remains grateful for the safe return of the victims, but stressed that its duty did not end with their rescue, noting that while rescue brings relief, and everyone is relieved, it is truth that brings closure, and accountability and reform that restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence.
He added that justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing, but about learning enough to ensure that innocent people are never again placed in harm's way.