By Adeola Badru
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday said the decision to constitute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of students and teachers in Esiele and Yawata communities of Oriire Local Government Area was driven by the need to uncover the truth and restore public confidence amid allegations that he orchestrated the incident.
Speaking while inaugurating 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, identify institutional and operational failures, and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The governor disclosed that the incident was politicised in some quarters, with accusations that his administration masterminded the kidnapping, stressing that such claims made it even more imperative to establish the facts.
“They said I orchestrated the kidnap. The abduction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an attack on the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities.“
