Makinde reveals he was accused of staging Oriire school abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that he was accused of orchestrating the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the newly inaugurated Judicial Commission of Inquiry will help uncover the truth and restore public confidence.

Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the panel at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde said the commission would independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15, 2026 abduction in the Esiele and Yawata communities.

According to the governor, the inquiry will identify institutional and operational lapses that may have contributed to the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

Addressing the allegations against him, Makinde said:

“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, it was an attack on the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety and on the confidence of every parent who sends a child to school each day.

“We remain grateful for the safe return of the victims, yet our duty did not end with their rescue. Rescue, of course, brings relief. We are all relieved.

“But truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence. And because justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing, it is about learning enough to ensure that the innocent are never again placed in harm’s way.”

Makinde said the commission's findings would help establish the facts surrounding the incident, ensure accountability where necessary, and strengthen measures to safeguard schools and communities across Oyo State.