Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed allegations that he orchestrated the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the claims prompted the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the commission at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde said the panel would independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15, 2026 abduction in Esiele and Yawata communities.
According to the governor, the commission will identify institutional and operational failures that may have contributed to the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
“They said I orchestrated the kidnap,” Makinde said, describing the abduction as “an attack 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 expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims but stressed that the government’s responsibility did not end with their rescue.
“We remain grateful for the safe return of the victims.
Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure.
Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence,” he stated.
Makinde added that justice is not only about punishing those responsible but also about learning from the incident to ensure that innocent citizens are never exposed to similar dangers again.
