Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has received the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Community, promising to study and implement its recommendations.
The commission was set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15, 2026, attack on three schools in the area, during which 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted.
Makinde received the report on Tuesday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, from the commission’s chairman, Justice Mojeed Owoade (retd.), who led the panel in presenting its findings.
The governor said the report would not be treated as a mere official document, stressing that its recommendations would guide decisions on strengthening the state’s security architecture and preventing a recurrence.
Makinde said the incident exposed gaps that required honest examination, adding that his administration could not rely on previous security successes while ignoring a major failure that affected children and their families.
He said the state had previously strengthened its emergency response system by making the 615 toll-free security line operational, expanding the security control room and linking relevant security agencies to improve coordination.
The governor, however, noted that the rescue of the victims should not be regarded as the sole measure of success, saying authorities must establish what could have prevented the attack and what measures would make schools safer.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the police, Amotekun Corps, military, hunters, vigilantes, intelligence agencies and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation.
Makinde said the commission’s findings would help identify areas of responsibility and provide a basis for concrete action, linking the lessons from the incident to his call for a broader security reset in Nigeria.
Earlier, Owoade said the panel visited the affected communities and schools, inspected the surrounding areas and conducted public hearings in Ikoyi-Ile, Ogbomoso and Ibadan.
The chairman disclosed that 72 witnesses, including victims, traditional rulers, civil society representatives, experts and other stakeholders, testified before the commission.
Owoade said the panel made recommendations covering the Oyo State Government, local governments, joint Federal-State responsibilities and areas requiring action by the Federal Government.
He identified the management of forest reserves, particularly the Old Oyo National Park, as a major security concern, recommending a review of the laws and management structure governing the reserves.
The May 15 attack involved Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the affected local government area. Two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Adesiyan Adegboye, died during the incident.
Makinde thanked the commission members for completing the assignment, saying their work would provide the government with a clearer understanding of the failures surrounding the incident and the steps required to improve security.