Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained that his call for international probe to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers in the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities was aimed at uncovering the truth and preventing a recurrence.
He stated this while inaugurating the commission at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde said the incident became politicised, with some critics alleging that his administration masterminded the abduction, making it necessary to establish the facts through an independent process.
“They said I orchestrated the kidnap. The abduction of innocent children and their teachers was not merely an attack on the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawata communities.
“It was an attack on the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety and on the confidence of every parent who sends a child to school each day,” he said.
While expressing gratitude that the victims were rescued safely, the governor stressed that the government’s responsibility extended beyond securing their freedom, noting that justice also required accountability and lessons that would help prevent similar incidents.
“We remain grateful for the safe return of the victims, yet our duty did not end with their rescue. Rescue, of course, brings relief. We are all relieved.
But truth brings closure. Accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence. And because justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing, it is about learning enough to ensure that the innocent are never again placed in harm’s way,” he said.
To explain why he sought an independent investigation with international backing, Makinde recalled his father’s experience as a teacher, saying it made him reflect on how such a tragedy could have changed the course of his own life.
“My own father actually taught in 1959. He was at St. Luke’s and was sent there for teacher training. I was born eight years later.
“Let’s just assume that he got kidnapped and he was the one beheaded. I would never have been born. So it was for this reason that I called on the international community to support an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident,” he stated.
The governor clarified that his appeal for international support was not intended to question the commitment of Nigerian security agencies but to ensure that every aspect of the incident was thoroughly examined.
“That call was never about diminishing the efforts of our security agencies, whose sacrifices we acknowledge and appreciate.
“It was about ensuring that every lesson is learned and every question that deserves an answer is answered. So this Judicial Commission of Inquiry represents our commitment to that responsibility,” he added.
Makinde said the commission had been given a clear mandate to determine the facts surrounding the abduction, identify any institutional or operational shortcomings, and recommend measures to strengthen security around schools and communities.
The assignment of this commission is clear: to establish the facts, identify any institutional or operational lapses, recommend measures that will strengthen the protection of our schools and communities, and help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” he said.
He also commended members of the panel for accepting the responsibility despite the prevailing political climate.
“This is also a season of politics. You have agreed to serve knowing well that this assignment may come back to you in such a way that people may think you are being used for political purposes.
“But because of your love for our state and country, this has never happened. I called everybody one after the other and no one said no to me. So I thank you,” he said.
Makinde charged the commission to carry out its assignment with impartiality, professionalism and strict adherence to the law.
Cc: Nigerian Tribune