Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for an independent investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Nigerians deserve a full account of the incident that shook the state.
The governor made the appeal on Monday during a statewide broadcast in Ibadan, shortly after receiving 44 children and teachers who were recently rescued from captivity. He urged international human rights and accountability bodies, including institutions within the United Nations system, to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
According to Makinde, the nature of the abduction raises serious questions that require transparent scrutiny. He said an independent inquiry would help determine whether any institutional failures, negligence or collusion contributed to the incident and would strengthen public trust in the outcome of investigations.
“The reunion of these children and teachers with their families does not mark the end of this painful chapter,” the governor said. “It marks the beginning of another responsibility: our collective responsibility to establish the truth.”
He stressed that the call for external scrutiny was motivated not by politics but by the need to secure justice for the victims and reassure citizens that schools remain safe places for children.
Makinde pledged that the state government would continue to pursue every lawful measure necessary to improve security in schools and surrounding communities. He described the return of the rescued victims as a moment of relief for Oyo residents, many of whom endured weeks of uncertainty, restrictions and heightened security measures.
However, the governor noted that the celebrations were overshadowed by the deaths recorded during the crisis. He paid tribute to Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed on the day of the attack within the school premises, as well as Deacon John Olaleye and Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who died while in captivity.
Makinde also honoured security operatives and local volunteers who lost their lives during rescue efforts. Those mentioned included Lt. F. A. Isaac, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed soldier attached to the Oyo State Amotekun Corps and supporting hunters.
The governor extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
As part of efforts to prevent future attacks, Makinde announced plans to tighten surveillance around entry and exit points linked to the Old Oyo National Park. Although the park falls under federal authority, he said the state government would strengthen community intelligence, regulate movement in adjoining local government areas and introduce measures aimed at preventing criminals from exploiting border communities as escape routes.
