Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has clarified that his call on the United Nations (UN) to probe the abduction of students and teachers in Esiele and Yawata communities of Oriire local government area was not to undermine the Nigeria security agencies 

The governor made the clarification while speaking at the inauguration of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction at the Governor’s Office Secretariat Agodi, on Friday.

He said his call for international support was not intended to undermine the efforts of security agencies, but to ensure that every question surrounding the incident was answered.

“That call was never about diminishing the efforts of our security agencies, whose sacrifices we acknowledge and appreciate.

“It was about ensuring that every lesson is learned and every question that deserves an answer is answered. So this Judicial Commission of Inquiry represents our commitment to that responsibility,” said.

He said the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15, 2026 abduction, identify institutional and operational failures, and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

According to him, the decision to constitute a commission was driven by the need to uncover the truth and restore public confidence amid allegations that he orchestrated the incident.

Makinde noted that the abduction was politicised in some quarters, with accusations that his administration masterminded the kidnapping and that such claims made it even more imperative to establish the facts.

“They said I orchestrated the kidnap. The abduction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an attack on the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities.

“It was an attack on the right of every Nigerian child to learn safely and on the confidence of every parent who sends a child to school each day,” he said.

He said even though the victims were eventually rescued, the responsibility of the government extended beyond securing their freedom, appreciating that his government   remained grateful for the safe return of the victims.

“Rescue, of course, brings relief. We are all relieved. But truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence. And because justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing, it is about learning enough to ensure that the innocent are never again placed in harm’s way,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the commission, its chairman, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Prof. Mojeed Owoade, assured Nigerians that the inquiry would be guided solely by facts and evidence.

“Nigerians should expect truth and nothing but the truth. That is all I can say. When I was called, I was assured that those who will work with me are people of great experience and the highest integrity,” he said.