Makinde sets up panel to probe security breach over Ogbomoso school ∆bduction
Makinde sets up panel to probe security breach over Ogbomoso school abduction
Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has constituted a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA.
BACKGROUND
On May 15, gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all in Oriire LGA.
The Oyo police command said two people were killed during the attacks on the schools. At least 45 schoolchildren and teachers were reportedly kidnapped during the incident.
The incident prompted the Oyo state government to shut schools in four LGAs as security agencies intensified rescue efforts.
On July 10, the presidency announced that the abducted schoolchildren and the teachers had regained their freedom.
However, Makinde called on the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the abduction incident.
The governor insisted that the circumstances surrounding the incident “are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions”.
‘PANEL TO EXAMINE SECURITY BREACH’
Dotun Oyelade, Oyo state commissioner for information and civic orientation, said in a statement on Thursday that the panel is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify the factors that led to the security breach.
Oyelade said the panel, which will be inaugurated on Friday, is also tasked to make recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
“The commission will examine the events leading to the kidnapping, assess the response of relevant authorities, and recommend measures to improve security and safeguard schools and communities across the state,” the statement reads.
He noted that the setting up of the panel is in line with the governor’s commitment to ensuring a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.
