Fresh Twist In Oyo School Kidnap: Makinde Constitutes Panel To Uncover What Went Wrong

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The decision was announced on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who said the panel would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and identify the factors that contributed to the security breach.

According to Oyelade, the commission has also been tasked with evaluating the response of security agencies and other relevant authorities, as well as recommending practical measures to strengthen security and prevent similar incidents in schools and communities across Oyo State.

He disclosed that the commission would be formally inaugurated on Friday, describing its establishment as part of Governor Makinde’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, independent and comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The abducted pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 and eventually regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

Tinubu Rules Out Ransom Payment

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the Federal Government did not pay ransom to secure the release of the victims.

The President made the disclosure on Thursday during a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, and other traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu explained that security agencies were able to track the location where the victims were being held because authorities had detailed knowledge of the forest terrain.

He also announced that the government is expanding the Nigerian Army’s operational structure by increasing the number of military divisions from eight to twelve, a move aimed at improving response time in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

“We refused to pay ransom because we know the geography of the forest and understood the terrain. In response, we are expanding from eight military divisions to twelve in order to shorten response time and strengthen our fight against terrorism and banditry. It is necessary, and we are committed to doing it,” the President said.