Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by the Oyo State Government to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area has officially commenced its work, calling on members of the public to submit memoranda, evidence, and any relevant information that could aid its investigation into one of the state's most devastating security incidents. The commission, inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday, July 31, 2026, has set a deadline of Friday, August 14, 2026, for the submission of memoranda, giving individuals, organisations, and stakeholders a ten-day window to contribute to the inquiry, according to public notices issued by the commission and widely reported by multiple news outlets on August 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2026.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools along the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota axis in Oriire Local Government Area and took away 46 persons, including 39 pupils and seven teachers, some as young as two years old. The victims were held captive for 56 days around the Old Oyo National Park before being rescued on July 10, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation involving security agencies. Two of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, were killed during the ordeal. The rescue brought relief to the families and the nation, but Governor Makinde, who had been accused by some of orchestrating the incident, maintained that the rescue alone was insufficient and that a thorough investigation was necessary to restore public confidence and prevent future occurrences.
Governor Makinde inaugurated the eight-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor's Office in Ibadan on July 31, appointing retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Professor Mojeed Owoade, as its chairman. Other members include Professor Jibril Ibrahim, a renowned academic and political analyst; Mrs. Ayo Obe, a prominent civil rights activist and lawyer; retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ngozi Onadeko; Dr. Abimbola Orogade; retired Major General Sanusi Nasir Muazu, a former General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army; and Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi. Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella serves as Secretary to the commission. The panel has been given an initial period of one month to complete its assignment, with provisions for extension if necessary, according to Leadership.ng. Inaugurating the commission, Governor Makinde declared that its setting up was critical to preventing a recurrence of such tragedies. "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 safely and on the confidence of every parent who sends a child to school each day," he said. "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."
In a public notice signed by the commission's secretary, Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella, the panel called on individuals, organisations, and stakeholders with relevant information to participate in the inquiry by submitting written memoranda. According to the notice, the commission is particularly interested in information concerning the circumstances leading to and surrounding the incident; the circumstances of the abduction and subsequent developments; information on the security situation before, during, and after the incident; any acts, omissions, or circumstances that may have contributed to the occurrence; the response of relevant authorities, institutions, communities, or individuals to the incident; and recommendations considered appropriate for preventing a recurrence of similar incidents. Submissions should include the contributor's full name, contact details, and any supporting documents or materials where applicable.
The commission directed that all memoranda should be addressed to the Secretary, Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Abduction of Students and Teachers in Esinele and Yawota Communities, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State. Submissions may be made physically at the Commission's Secretariat, located at the Conference Room, Office of the Head of Service, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, or electronically via email at oysjceoriireabduction@gmail.com. All memoranda must be submitted on or before August 14, 2026.
Governor Makinde, who had previously called on the international community and the United Nations to investigate the kidnapping, a move that drew criticism from the Presidency, explained that the decision to set up an independent panel was not to undermine security agencies but to ensure every lesson was learnt, every question was answered, and to establish facts surrounding the incident. He tasked the commission with establishing the facts surrounding the abduction, identifying any institutional or operational lapses, and recommending measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities to prevent a recurrence. The governor assured that the state government would provide all necessary support to enable the commission to discharge its duties independently and professionally, and called on individuals, institutions, and relevant agencies to cooperate fully by providing information that would assist the inquiry. The commission's decision to invite public participation is expected to widen the scope of its investigation by allowing residents, witnesses, and other stakeholders to provide information that may assist in determining the causes of the incident and improving the state's response to future security threats, as the people of Oyo State await answers and accountability for one of the most traumatic events in the state's recent history.
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