Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, with the panel expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend measures to strengthen security across the state.

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The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, saying the commission would investigate the events leading to the kidnapping, assess the response of security agencies and other relevant authorities, and identify factors responsible for the security breach. According to him, the panel will also propose measures to prevent similar incidents in schools and communities across Oyo State. Oyelade said the commission would be inaugurated on Friday, describing its establishment as a demonstration of Governor Makinde’s commitment to a thorough and independent investigation. The abducted pupils and teachers, who were kidnapped on May 15, regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, during a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, said the Federal Government did not pay ransom to secure the victims’ release. The President explained that security agencies had mapped the forest where the victims were held, enabling a coordinated rescue operation. Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government had expanded the number of military divisions from eight to 12 to improve response time in combating banditry and terrorism, stressing that the move forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and protect citizens.