Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has demanded an independent investigation into the May 14 abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. He made the appeal during a statewide broadcast in Ibadan on Monday, moments after receiving 44 rescued victims from the hands of bandits.
Makinde urged international human rights bodies and United Nations mechanisms to probe the incident, citing the gravity and unusual circumstances surrounding it. He said such an inquiry would strengthen public trust and ensure the full truth emerged.
"Nigerians deserve a complete and transparent account of what happened, including whether there were institutional failures, negligence, or collusion," he said.
The governor stressed that the reunion of the abducted children and teachers with their families marked only the beginning of work ahead. "It marks the beginning of another responsibility: our collective responsibility to establish the truth," he added.
Makinde dismissed suggestions that his call was politically motivated. "This is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear," he said.
He pledged that the government would pursue every lawful avenue to enhance safety in schools and communities across the state. The governor also thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the ordeal, which included security operations and curfews.
However, Makinde's relief was dampened by the deaths of three teachers: Joel Adesiyan, killed on the abduction day at school; Deacon John Olaleye; and Michael Oyedokun, who died in captivity. He also mourned security personnel who fell during rescue operations: Lieutenant F.
A. Isaac, Adigun Saibu, Isa Saliu, Rafiu Ayuba, an unnamed soldier from the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, and supporting hunters.
The governor acknowledged Bamidele Paul, who suffered severe injuries and remains under treatment. He prayed for the souls of the deceased and comfort for their families.
Looking forward, Makinde announced immediate strengthening of border controls around the Old Oyo National Park across adjoining local government areas. Though the park falls under federal control, he said Oyo would implement measures to regulate movement, boost community intelligence gathering, and create protocols to block criminal networks from using border settlements as escape routes.
