Oyo Governor Forms Judicial Panel on School Kidnapping

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from the Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The commission was announced on Thursday, July, 30, 2026, and is scheduled for inauguration on Friday, July 31, at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor's Office in Ibadan.

The panel is tasked with determining the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping, which occurred on May 15, 2026, and identifying the factors that led to the security breach. According to a statement from the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the commission will examine the events leading to the incident, assess the response of relevant authorities, and recommend measures to improve security and safeguard schools and communities across the state. The government said the commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within a timeframe to be announced.

Governor Makinde had promised an independent investigation during a statewide broadcast following the release of the victims, who were rescued after 56 days in captivity on July 10, 2026. In...