The judicial panel will investigate the May kidnapping of pupils and teachers and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Thursday announced a judicial commission of inquiry into the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, as the state government seeks answers to the security breach that left families traumatised for 56 days.

Also read: Makinde Urges UN Probe Into Oyo School Abduction

The Oyo school abduction probe, announced by Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Dotun Oyelade in a statement issued in Ibadan, is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping, assess the response of relevant authorities and identify factors that contributed to the incident.

The commission is scheduled to be inaugurated on Friday and will also recommend measures to strengthen security around schools and communities across the state.

“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.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 and remained in captivity for 56 days before they were rescued and reunited with their families.

The prolonged ordeal generated widespread concern and renewed questions about the safety of schools in vulnerable communities, particularly in areas where insecurity has disrupted education and placed children and teachers at risk.

Makinde had previously called for an independent investigation shortly after the victims regained their freedom. In a broadcast following their release, the governor urged international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including relevant bodies within the United Nations system, to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Makinde said the unusual nature of the abduction warranted scrutiny beyond the immediate rescue of the victims, stressing that the public deserved a clear account of how the security breach occurred.

“The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter. It marks the beginning of another responsibility: our collective responsibility to establish the truth,” Makinde said.

The governor also raised questions about whether institutional failures, negligence or possible collusion contributed to the incident, arguing that a transparent investigation was necessary to restore public confidence.

He maintained that the inquiry should not be viewed through a political lens but as an important step towards securing justice for those affected and preventing similar incidents.

Makinde said the objective was to reassure families and communities that children could attend school without living under the shadow of fear.

The newly announced Oyo school abduction probe therefore marks a significant effort by the state government to move beyond the immediate relief of the victims and examine the deeper circumstances surrounding the attack.

For the affected families, the investigation could provide answers to painful questions that have lingered since the pupils and teachers were taken.

Also read: Makinde Vows Safe Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils

For the wider public, its recommendations could offer a crucial roadmap for strengthening security around schools and protecting vulnerable communities from future attacks.