The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the just constituted Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of students and teachers in Esiele and Yawata communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The panel given four weeks to submit its report has the Terms of reference to include: to establish the facts surrounding the abduction, identify any institutional or operational lapses, recommend measures to strengthen the protection of schools and communities, and ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again.
Performing the ceremony on Friday at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Government Makinde made it clear that the decision will help to vindicate his administration that was accused by some politicians of having a hand in the unpatriotic act.
The Governor lamented that the incident was politicised and stressed the need to uncover the truth and restore public confidence amid allegations that he orchestrated the incident.
“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,” Makinde said.
While thanking God that the victims were eventually rescued, he insisted that the responsibility of government extended beyond securing their freedom.
“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,” the Governor pointed out.
Governor Makinde further explained that the call for international support was not intended to undermine the efforts of security agencies but to ensure that every question surrounding the incident was answered.
“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,” the governor added.
He commended members of the commission for accepting the assignment despite the prevailing political climate.
The Governor therefore charged the panel to conduct its work with impartiality, professionalism and strict adherence to the law.
“Each of you brings decades of experience, integrity and public service. Your work must be guided only by the evidence, the law and the public interest. The people of our state, and indeed Nigerians, expect nothing less than an impartial, thorough and credible process,” he said.
