Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of more than 40 children abducted in Borno State, who have spent 137 days in captivity.
Makinde made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the May 15, 2026 abduction of pupils and teachers in Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor said the findings of the commission would form the basis for government decisions and the assignment of responsibilities following the incident.
He added that residents would be able to assess the government’s response based on the recommendations and actions taken.
“So, this commission’s report will lead to decisions, assigned responsibilities, and progress that the public can follow. Our children’s safety must be the test of what changes,” Makinde said.
The governor also called on Oyo residents and Nigerians who had followed the inquiry to examine the evidence presented and assess the government’s actions before, during and after the attack.
“Please examine the evidence, examine what we did before, what happened when the attack came, what this commission has found, and what we do in response,” he said.
Makinde said the public should hold the government accountable for any commitments made following the commission’s findings.
He subsequently drew attention to the children abducted in Borno State on the same day as the Oriire incident, urging authorities to step up efforts to secure their release.
“Let me end this remark by calling for intensified efforts to rescue the over 40 children kidnapped in Borno State on the same day as the Oriire abduction, who remain in captivity 137 days later,” he said.
The governor stressed that insecurity should not prevent children from accessing education safely.
“No Nigerian child, irrespective of what corner of Nigeria they may be located, should have to fear for their life because they are trying to get educated,” Makinde said.
The May 15 incident in Oriire involved the abduction of students and teachers from communities in the local government area, while a separate school abduction was reported in Borno State on the same day.
Makinde thanked members of the commission and others involved in the inquiry, urging sustained efforts to improve the security of schools and communities.
He said the ultimate measure of government intervention should be whether children and communities are safer as a result of the actions taken.
