By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday received the Judicial Commission of Inquiry report into the May 15, 2026, abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Community. The commission investigated how bandits attacked three schools in Olorunsogo Local Government Area, abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, and held them for 56 days inside Old Oyo National Park before their release on July 10, 2026.
Two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Adesiyan Adegboye, died during the incident.
Makinde Receives Judicial Commission Report
Makinde received the report from the commission’s Chairman, Hon. Justice (Prof.) Mojeed Owoade (retd.), at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, disclosed this in a statement.
The governor said the administration would thoroughly examine the commission’s recommendations.
He also said confidentiality would not shield anyone from accountability.
According to Makinde, the attack tested the security structure his administration had developed over the years.
Governor Questions Security Failures
Makinde explained why the state established the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
He said the commission examined how the attack occurred and what information was available.
It also reviewed the response from relevant institutions during the incident.
The inquiry further examined possible intelligence, administrative, and operational failures.
Makinde said the government must identify what failed and prevent another tragedy.
He stressed that rescuing victims alone cannot measure success.
The governor asked what could have prevented the attack and shortened the victims’ ordeal.
He also asked what measures would make schools safer for children.
Commission Took Testimonies From 72 Witnesses
Presenting the report, Justice Owoade thanked Makinde for entrusting the commission with the assignment.
He said members visited the crime scenes and inspected the affected schools.
They also went through surrounding bushes to understand the events firsthand.
The commission held public hearings in Ikoyi-Ile, Ogbomoso, and Ibadan.
Overall, it heard testimony from 72 witnesses.
The witnesses included victims, traditional rulers, experts, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
Justice Owoade said the report seeks stronger preventive security measures.
He added that better intelligence gathering remains crucial to preventing future attacks.
The commission also called for stronger cooperation among security agencies and government institutions.
Commission Recommends Forest Reserve Review
Justice Owoade said the commission made recommendations for different levels of government.
These include the Oyo State Government and local governments.
It also made recommendations requiring joint action by federal and state authorities.
Other recommendations target the Federal Government directly.
One major recommendation concerns the management of forest reserves.
Justice Owoade specifically highlighted the need to review the management of Old Oyo National Park.
The park belongs to the Federal Government.
He said better management remains essential for improving security around forest reserves.
Makinde Praises Rescue Efforts
The governor praised agencies and groups involved in rescuing the abducted victims.
He acknowledged the Operational Coordination Center and Amotekun personnel.
He also recognised hunters, vigilantes, the military, police, intelligence services, and federal agencies.
Makinde thanked the Director-General of the Department of State Services.
He also acknowledged the State Directors of Security in Oyo and Lagos states.
According to him, both officials relocated to Oyo during the crisis.
Oyo Security Infrastructure Receives Attention
Makinde said his administration had strengthened the state’s security infrastructure before the attack.
He recalled that the 615 toll-free emergency number had already received approval.
However, the system had not become operational when his administration assumed office.
He said the City Watch and Security Control Room infrastructure also faced operational challenges.
The administration later activated the 615 emergency line.
It also refurbished and expanded the security control room.
The state expanded its coverage and linked several security services.
These included the Police, Amotekun, Operation Burst, and other relevant agencies.
Makinde said the communication system improved coordination among security agencies.
Governor Calls for a Security Reset
Makinde said the Oriire incident remains an important lesson for his administration.
He rejected the idea of using previous security achievements to excuse the attack.
The governor said no responsible government should ask affected families to overlook such a failure.
He also linked the commission’s findings to his call for a national security reset.
According to him, Nigeria needs distinct and functional security systems.
He said a working system makes it possible to identify where failures occurred.
Makinde promised that the commission’s recommendations would inform government decisions.
He added that authorities would assign responsibilities and track progress publicly.
The governor stressed that children’s safety must guide the changes that follow.
Government Officials Attend Report Presentation
The report presentation attracted senior government officials and stakeholders.
Those present included Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal.
Also present was Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin.
Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, was represented by Justice O.M. Olagunju.
Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi also attended the event.
Other officials included Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biodun Aikomo.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, was also present.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, attended the presentation.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, was also present.
Security officials, religious leaders, service commanders, and commission members attended.
Attack Led to 56-Day Ordeal
The Judicial Commission followed the May 15 attack on three schools.
The affected schools included Community Grammar School.
Baptist Nursery and Primary School also came under attack.
L.A. Primary School was the third affected institution.
The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The victims spent 56 days in captivity inside Old Oyo National Park.
They regained their freedom on July 10, 2026.
Two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Adesiyan Adegboye, were lost during the incident.
The commission’s report now provides recommendations for preventing similar attacks.
Oyo State is expected to study the recommendations and determine the next steps.
