Judicial panel will uncover facts behind Oriire abduction — Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday said the decision to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area was not meant to undermine the efforts of security agencies, but to establish the facts surrounding the incident, ensure accountability and strengthen the state’s response to future security challenges.

Makinde stated this while inaugurating the eight-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The governor described the incident as one of the darkest moments in the state’s recent history, saying the attack was not only against the affected schools but also against every Nigerian child’s right to education in a safe environment.

He said, “The abduction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an attack on the affected schools and communities. It was 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.”

While expressing gratitude over the safe rescue of the victims, Makinde maintained that the government’s responsibility did not end with their return.

According to him, “We remain grateful for the safe return of the victims. Yet our duty did not end with their rescue. Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence because justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing; it is about learning enough to ensure that innocent people are never again placed in harm’s way.”

The governor said his decision to seek an independent inquiry was driven by the need to learn from the incident and strengthen existing security structures.

He said, “It was for this reason that I called for an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident. That call was never about diminishing the efforts of our security agencies. It was about establishing the facts, strengthening accountability and improving our response to future security challenges.”

Makinde urged members of the commission to carry out their assignment with fairness, professionalism and integrity.

Addressing the panel members, he said, “Your work must be guided only by the evidence, the law and the public interest. The people of Oyo State, and indeed Nigerians, expect nothing less than an impartial, thorough and credible process.”

He added that although the commission had been given four weeks to submit its report, it could request additional time if necessary.

“I have given you one month, four weeks, but feel free to come back to us if you require additional time to ensure that we do not leave any stone unturned,” he said.

The governor assured the commission of the state’s full support throughout its assignment.

“As a government, we will provide every support required for this commission to carry out its assignment independently and professionally. We also call on individuals, institutions and relevant agencies to cooperate fully by making available any information that will assist the commission in arriving at the truth,” he said.

Makinde noted that societies become stronger by confronting difficult experiences rather than ignoring them.

He said, “History teaches us that societies become stronger not by pretending difficult events never happened, but by confronting them honestly, learning from them and building stronger institutions afterwards.”

Speaking on behalf of the panel after the inauguration, the Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Professor Mojeed Owoade, assured Nigerians that the commission would carry out its assignment with integrity and impartiality.

He said: “Nigerians should expect truth and nothing but the truth. That is all I can say because when I was called, I was assured that those who would work with me are people of great experience and the highest integrity.”

Owoade added: “I’ve met them, and I believe that. So, in unravelling the truth, Nigerians should be assured that there will be no disappointments.”

On whether the one-month timeline given by Governor Seyi Makinde would be sufficient, the retired Justice of the Court of Appeal said: “It may not be. If it’s not, we will ask for an extension.”

Expressing confidence in the commission, the governor said he believed its work would improve public confidence and contribute to safer schools and communities across the state.

The eight-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry is chaired by Professor Mojeed Owoade. Other members are Professor Jibril Ibrahim, Mrs Ayo Obe, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ngozi Onadeko, Mr Abimbola Orogade, retired Major General Sanusi Muazu, Mr Folorunsho Osunrayi and Mrs Olamide Sandra Tella, who will serve as secretary to the commission.