By Oscar Okhifo

The Oyo State Government has ordered a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of students and teachers in Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and strengthen security across the state.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced the decision in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan. He said the commission would be inaugurated on Friday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office.

According to Oyelade, the commission has been mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15, 2026, kidnapping and make recommendations that will guide the government’s response and help prevent similar incidents.

He recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had promised an independent investigation during his statewide broadcast following the release of the abducted students and teachers.

The commissioner also noted that the governor had appealed to the United Nations to support efforts to investigate the abduction, which lasted 56 days before the victims regained their freedom.

“The establishment of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry demonstrates the government’s commitment to uncovering the facts behind the incident and strengthening measures to prevent a recurrence,” Oyelade said.

He assured residents that the commission’s findings would help improve security arrangements in schools and communities across Oyo State while enhancing the government’s response to future security threats.

The abduction of the students and teachers from the Esinele and Yawota communities sparked widespread concern within and beyond Oyo State, prompting calls from parents, education stakeholders and civil society organisations for a thorough and transparent investigation.

The state government said the commission is expected to commence work immediately after its inauguration and submit its report within a timeframe to be announced by the government.