Former Appeal Court Justice Mojeed Owoade heads inquiry as Oyo government seeks accountability and stronger school security.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Ahoro Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The commission is chaired by former Court of Appeal Justice, Mojeed Owoade, with Olamide Tella serving as secretary. Other members include Jibril Ibrahim, Ayo Obe, Ngozi Onadeko, Abimbola Orogade, Major General Sanusi Muazu (retd.) and Folorunsho Osunrayi.
Speaking during the inauguration at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Friday, Makinde described the abduction as an attack on every Nigerian child’s right to education and the confidence of parents in the safety of schools.
The governor said that while the victims had been rescued safely, the government had a responsibility to uncover the truth, identify lapses and implement reforms to prevent a recurrence.
“Rescue brings relief, but truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent recurrence. 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,” Governor Makinde said.
He explained that the commission was not established to undermine the efforts of security agencies but to establish the facts, identify institutional and operational failures, and recommend measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities across the state.
Governor Makinde also recalled that his father taught at St. Luke’s, Ahoro Dada, in 1959, noting that the personal connection reinforced his determination to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.
The commission has been given an initial one-month mandate to conclude its assignment, with the option of an extension if necessary. The governor assured the panel of the state’s full support and urged individuals, institutions and security agencies to cooperate by providing relevant information.
Responding on behalf of the commission, Justice Owoade assured residents that the panel would conduct its assignment with fairness, professionalism and a commitment to uncovering the truth.
The inquiry follows the abduction of more than 40 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, who were later rescued after spending weeks in captivity.