The Oyo State Government has commenced the process of investigating the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, with the Judicial Commission of Inquiry calling on members of the public to submit relevant memoranda and information that could assist its investigation.
The development was announced by the state government on Tuesday through its official communication channels.
The commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the abduction of pupils, students, and teachers from communities including Esinele and Yawota, as well as the security response before, during, and after the incident.
According to the government, members of the public who possess relevant information are encouraged to come forward and make submissions to the commission.
The memoranda are expected to contain the contributor’s full name and contact details, alongside any supporting documents or materials considered relevant to the submission.
The deadline for submission is Friday, August 14, 2026.
Members of the public can submit their memoranda physically at the Conference Room, Office of the Head of Service, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, while electronic submissions can be made through the designated email channel provided by the state government.
The inquiry follows the May 15, 2026 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, during which armed men reportedly abducted 39 students and seven teachers.
The affected schools included Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; and L.A. Primary School.
The victims reportedly spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued in July following 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 rescued by security agencies without any concession being made to the abductors.
Following the release of the victims, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction, describing the incident as serious enough to warrant comprehensive scrutiny.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry is therefore expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess the security response at various stages of the abduction.
The state government urged individuals with credible information to take advantage of the public submission process and assist the commission in establishing the facts surrounding the incident.
It reiterated its commitment to the safety and security of residents across Oyo State, stressing that information provided by members of the public could contribute significantly to the commission’s efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and make appropriate recommendations.
