Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has denied allegations linking him to the May 15, 2026, abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claims as false.
Speaking on Friday in Ibadan, the governor said he was accused of orchestrating the attack, prompting his administration to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to uncover the truth.
The abduction occurred when gunmen attacked three schools in Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities, taking dozens of pupils and teachers and triggering national outrage.
Makinde said the inquiry panel would independently investigate the incident, identify security lapses, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
“The abduction of innocent children and teachers was an attack on the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety,” he said.
While noting that the victims have since been rescued after weeks in captivity through a multi-agency operation, the governor stressed that accountability remains necessary.
He added that beyond the rescue, the government must ensure justice, restore public confidence, and strengthen protections for schools across the state.
