By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Nearly three weeks after pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire regained their freedom, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The governor said the commission will establish the facts, identify institutional and operational lapses, recommend measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities, and help ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
Makinde announced this in a statement posted on his X page on Friday obtained by Persecondnews where he appreciated members of the commission for accepting the assignment and wished them wisdom and success on the important responsibility.
The panel is expected to determine what led to the abduction, assess any institutional or operational shortcomings.
Retired Justice M. A. O. Owoade,, will chair the commission.
Other members are Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Mrs. Ayo Obe, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ngozi Onadeko, Barr. Abimbola Orogade, retired Maj.-Gen. S. N. Muazu, and retired Director of the Department of State Services, Mr. Folorinsho Osunrayi.
Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella, a lawyer, will serve as Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
Persecondnews recalls that on July 13, Governor Makinde had called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Oriire abduction following the release of the pupils and teachers.
On May 15, 2026, gunmen had abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area with the victims regaining their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.