Oyo panel begins probe into Oriire school abductions, invites public submissions

The Oyo State Government has called for public memoranda to support the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government said the commission is seeking relevant information on the incident, which occurred in Esinele and Yawota communities, as well as details on the security response before, during, and after the attack. It urged members of the public with useful information to come forward, noting that their contributions would aid the investigation process.

According to the statement, submissions must include the contributor’s full name, contact details, and any supporting documents. Memoranda can be submitted physically at the Conference Room, Office of the Head of Service, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, or electronically via oysjceoriireabduction@gmail.com. The deadline for submission is Friday, August 14, 2026.

The government explained that the inquiry is part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and to assess the adequacy of the security response. “The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire abduction is calling for public memoranda,” the statement read, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of all communities across the state.

The abduction, which took place on May 15, 2026, involved attacks on three schools—Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; and L.A. Primary School resulting in the kidnapping of 39 students and seven teachers. The victims were released after spending 56 days in captivity following coordinated security operations.

The rescue was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that the victims were freed without any concessions to the abductors.

Following the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde called for an independent investigation, describing the abduction as a serious security breach that requires thorough scrutiny beyond routine processes.