Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, following the shocking attack that rocked Ogbomoso earlier this year.
The panel is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify the security failures that made the attack possible and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The decision follows the May 15 attack, when suspected gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and LA Primary School in Oriire LGA.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that two people were killed, while at least 45 pupils and teachers were reportedly kidnapped during the coordinated attacks.
The incident forced the state government to shut down schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
Although the Presidency later announced on July 10 that the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom, Governor Makinde insisted that the incident required a broader and independent investigation.
He also called on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction, describing the circumstances surrounding the incident as serious enough to warrant international scrutiny.
According to a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the commission will determine the factors that led to the security breach and assess the response of relevant authorities.
“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,” the statement said.
Oyelade added that the panel, inaugurated on Friday, reflects Governor Makinde’s commitment to ensuring a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the school abduction.
