…Says investigation will identify security lapses and recommend measures to safeguard schools
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated an eight-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of students and teachers from Esinele and Yawata communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The inauguration, held in Ibadan, was performed by the governor, who charged the commission, chaired by retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Prof. Mojeed Owoade, to uncover the facts surrounding the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
Governor Makinde described the abduction as an attack not only on the affected communities but also on the right of every Nigerian child to receive education in a safe and secure environment.
While expressing gratitude for the safe rescue of the victims, the governor maintained that the state’s responsibility did not end with their release, stressing that establishing the truth, ensuring accountability, and implementing reforms were essential to restoring public confidence.
He explained that the decision to constitute the commission was not intended to undermine the efforts of security agencies, whose sacrifices he acknowledged, but to ensure that every lesson from the unfortunate incident was identified and used to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Governor Makinde said the commission had been mandated to establish the facts surrounding the abduction, identify institutional and operational lapses, recommend measures to improve the protection of schools and communities, and help ensure that such an incident does not happen again.
The governor expressed confidence in the integrity and experience of the commission members, urging them to conduct their assignment with impartiality, professionalism, and strict adherence to the law, evidence, and public interest.
He directed the panel to complete its assignment within one month but assured members that the government would consider an extension if additional time became necessary to carry out a thorough investigation.
Governor Makinde also pledged the full support of the state government and called on individuals, institutions, and relevant agencies to cooperate with the commission by providing useful information that would assist its work.
While reacting on behalf of the commission, Chairman, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Prof. Mojeed Owoade, assured Nigerians that the panel would pursue the truth without bias, noting that members of the commission were selected based on their experience and integrity.
Prof. Owoade said Nigerians should expect “the truth and nothing but the truth” from the commission’s findings, adding that although the panel had been given one month to conclude its work, it would request an extension if necessary to ensure a comprehensive and credible investigation.
