Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated an eight-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
The commission, chaired by Professor Mojeed Owoade, was inaugurated on Friday at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Makinde said the establishment of the independent panel was not intended to undermine the ongoing efforts of security agencies but to ensure that every lesson from the unfortunate incident is learned, every critical question is answered and the true circumstances surrounding the abduction are uncovered.
He said the commission has been tasked with establishing the facts surrounding the incident, identifying any institutional or operational lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy and recommending practical measures to strengthen the security of schools and communities against similar occurrences in the future.
The governor directed the panel to submit its report within four weeks, noting, however, that it could request an extension if additional time became necessary to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that no stone is left unturned.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration, the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mojeed Owoade, expressed confidence in the competence and experience of members of the panel, assuring the public that the inquiry would be thorough, transparent, and impartial.
He pledged that the commission would diligently discharge its mandate and produce recommendations that would contribute to improving security and preventing a recurrence of such incidents.
Other members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry are Professor Jibril Ibrahim, Mrs. Ayo Ọ̀bẹ, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Ngozi Onadeko, Mr. Abimbola Orogade, retired Major General Sanusi Muazu and Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi, while Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella will serve as Secretary to the Commission.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
