Seyi Makinde Launches Inquiry Into School Abductions in Oyo State

Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry on July 31, 2026, at the Governor's Office in Ibadan to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from the Esinele and Yawota communities. The victims were kidnapped from the Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, and remained in captivity for 56 days until their rescue on July 10.

The commission is mandated to examine the events leading to the kidnappings, identify security lapses and institutional weaknesses, and recommend measures to protect rural schools. Makinde suggested the incident may have been politically motivated, noting the abductions occurred shortly after he declared his intention to run for the Nigerian presidency.

Seeking an independent process, Makinde requested the participation of the United Nations in the investigation. This request received support from the Oyo State House of Assembly but was rejected by the Nigerian Senate, which asserted that the incident is a domestic security matter.