*Photo: Governor Seyi Makinde (middle) with members of the Commission*
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State government on Friday, 31st July,2026 inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of students and teachers at Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The eight-member panel is chaired by retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Professor Mojeed Owoade, while Professor Jibril Ibrahim, Mrs. Ayo Obe, retired AIG Ngozi Onadeko, Dr. Abimbola Orogade, retired Major General Sanusi Nasir Muazu(former GOC 2 division )and Mr Folorunsho Osunrayi will serve as commissioners.
Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella will serve as the Secretary to the commission.
”I called you out on a national assignment and none of the 8 of you hesitated for once to accept to participate on this important call to duty, God bless you”, Governor Seyi Makinde told the panelists.
He gave the panel four weeks to complete its investigation and submit its final report, with an option to request an extension if required. The commission’s key directives include:
*Investigate the events surrounding the May 15, 2026, mass kidnapping and the subsequent rescue of victims after 56 days in captivity.
* Pinpoint institutional, operational, and security lapses that led to the initial security breach.
* Formulate recommendations to improve state-wide school security and prevent future recurrences.
The May 15 attacks targeting schools in Oriire LGA initially prompted the Oyo State Government to shut down institutions across four local government areas.
After the victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, Governor Makinde expressed skepticism regarding the circumstances of the event, hinting at political undertones as the incident coincided with his 2027 presidential ambition announcement. This attract condemnation by the Federal Government.
While Governor Makinde previously urged international agencies, including the United Nations (UN), to closely examine the abduction saga, he emphasized during the panel’s inauguration that this independent domestic inquiry is meant to comprehensively establish facts and answer all lingering public questions and concerns.