Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of more than 40 children abducted in Borno State, who have spent 137 days in captivity.
Makinde made the appeal on Tuesday, September 29, while receiving the report of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the May 15, 2026 abduction of students and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor said the findings of the commission would provide a basis for government action, clarify responsibilities and enable residents to track the implementation of measures introduced after the incident.
“So, this commission’s report will lead to decisions, assigned responsibilities, and progress that the public can follow. Our children’s safety must be the test of what changes,” Makinde said.
He also urged Oyo residents and Nigerians who had monitored the inquiry to consider the evidence presented by the commission alongside the government’s conduct before, during and after the attack.
“To the people of Oyo States and to Nigerians who have been following this process, I make this request.
“Please examine the evidence, examine what we did before, what happened when the attack came, what this commission has found, and what we do in response.
“And judge us by that full record and hold us to the changes we promise,” he said.
Makinde subsequently drew attention to the children abducted in Borno State, noting that their kidnapping occurred on the same day as the Oriire incident.
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“Let me end this remark by calling for intensified efforts to rescue the over 40 children kidnapped in Borno State on the same day as the Oriire abduction, who remain in captivity 137 days later,” he said.
He stressed that insecurity must not prevent Nigerian children from accessing education safely, regardless of where they live.
“No Nigerian child, irrespective of what corner of Nigeria they may be located, should have to fear for their life because they are trying to get educated,” Makinde said.
The governor commended those who participated in the inquiry and called for sustained measures to improve security around schools and communities.
The Oriire abduction on May 15 occurred alongside a separate attack on a school in Borno State, during which dozens of pupils and other children were reportedly taken.
More than four months after the Borno incident, the victims remain in captivity, prompting continued calls for authorities to secure their safe release.
Makinde said the ultimate measure of government’s response should be whether the steps taken after such incidents produce tangible improvements in the safety of children and communities.