Makinde To Tinubu: Rescue 40 Borno Children Abducted Same Day As Oriire Victims

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue more than 40 children reportedly abducted in Borno State on the same day students and teachers were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Makinde made the call on Tuesday while receiving the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire school abduction from the Chairman of the Commission, retired Justice Prof. Mojeed Owoade, at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The governor urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rescue of the Borno abductees, noting that the children were reportedly taken on the same day as the Oriire incident.

While receiving the commission’s report, Makinde said his administration would carefully study its recommendations before making its response public and outlining concrete actions to be taken.

He said sensitive information that could endanger lives or prejudice security operations would be protected, but stressed that confidentiality must not become an excuse for avoiding accountability.

Owoade disclosed that the commission heard from 72 witnesses during its proceedings, including victims, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, experts and other stakeholders.

He said the testimonies provided relevant information to the commission in its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction of students and teachers at Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire.

According to him, one of the major recommendations of the commission was the review of relevant laws and improved management of forest reserves as part of measures to prevent a recurrence.

The commission was established by the Oyo State Government to investigate the Oriire abduction and recommend measures to strengthen security and prevent similar incidents in the state.

Representatives of the affected communities and schools were present at the presentation, including the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs Racheal Alamu; Headmaster of Baptist Basic School, Yawota, Mr Adejumo Gabriel; and Headteacher of Local Authority Basic School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mr Oke Jacob Sunday.