Makinde Sets Up Probe Panel Over Oyo School Abductions

The decision follows the May 15 attack by gunmen on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire LGA.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has constituted a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the security lapses that led to the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The commission, which will be inaugurated on Friday, is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify the factors responsible for the security breach, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

The decision follows the May 15 attack by gunmen on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire LGA.

The Oyo State Police Command said two people were killed during the attacks, while at least 45 pupils and teachers were abducted.

The incident forced the state government to shut schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

On July 10, the Presidency announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom.

Despite their release, Makinde called on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the incident, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the abductions were grave enough to warrant independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria's domestic institutions.

Announcing the inauguration of the panel, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the commission would conduct a comprehensive review of the events leading to the abductions and evaluate the response of relevant security agencies.

"The commission will examine the events leading to the kidnapping, assess the response of relevant authorities, and recommend measures to improve security and safeguard schools and communities across the state," Oyelade said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that the establishment of the commission reflects the governor's commitment to ensuring a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into one of the state's most significant security incidents in recent years.