Being the Speech by His Excellency Seyi Makinde, FNSE, the Executive Governor of Oyo State at the Inauguration of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire Abduction on Friday, 31 July 2026
Today marks another important step in our collective response to one of the darkest moments in the recent history of Oyo State.
The abduction of innocent children and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area was not merely an attack on the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota 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 brings relief, but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence. 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.
It was for this reason that I called on the international community to support an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident. That call was never about diminishing the efforts of our security agencies, whose sacrifices we acknowledge and appreciate. It was about ensuring that every lesson is learnt and every question that deserves an answer is answered.
This Judicial Commission of Inquiry represents our commitment to that responsibility.
The assignment of this Commission is clear: to establish the facts, identify any institutional or operational lapses, recommend measures that will strengthen the protection of our schools and communities, and help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
I have every confidence in the distinguished men and women who have agreed to serve on this Commission:
- Hon Justice M. A. O. Owoade, JCA (Retd) – Chairman
- Prof Jibrin Ibrahim
- Mrs Ayo Obe
- AIG Ngozi Onadeko (Retd)
- Barr. Abimbola Orogade
- Maj. Gen. S. N. Muazu (Retd)
- Mr Folorinsho Osunrayi (Director DSS – Retd)
The Secretary of this Commission of Inquiry is Barr (Mrs) Olamide Sandra Tella.
Each of you brings decades of experience, integrity and public service. Your work must be guided only by the evidence, the law and the public interest. The people of Oyo State expect nothing less than an impartial, thorough and credible process, completed within the shortest possible time.
As a government, we will provide every support required for this Commission to carry out its assignment independently and professionally. We also call on individuals, institutions and relevant agencies to cooperate fully by making available any information that will assist the Commission in arriving at the truth.
History teaches us that societies become stronger not by pretending difficult events never happened, but by confronting them honestly, learning from them and building stronger institutions afterwards.
May this Commission help strengthen public confidence, honour the resilience of the victims and their families, and contribute meaningfully to improving the security of our schools and communities.
On this note, I hereby formally inaugurate the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire Abduction and wish you wisdom and success in your important assignment.
Thank you, and God bless you.