Makinde Receives Abduction Report, Urges Freedom for Borno Children After 137 Days

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed for escalated efforts to secure the release of over 40 children kidn*pped in Borno State, who have now endured 137 days in captivity. Governor Makinde issued this appeal on Tuesday as he formally received the report from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. This commission was established to investigate the abduction of students and teachers that occurred on May 15, 2026, in Esinele and Yawota communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Speaking on the commission’s findings, the governor affirmed that the report would serve as a crucial guide for government decisions, facilitate the assignment of responsibilities, and enable the public to monitor the progress of measures implemented following the incident. Makinde emphasized, “So, this commission’s report will lead to decisions, assigned responsibilities, and progress that the public can follow. Our children’s safety must be the test of what changes.”

He further implored both Oyo State residents and other Nigerians who have closely followed the investigation to meticulously review the evidence presented by the commission, alongside the government's actions taken before, during, and after the attack. Makinde stated, “To the people of Oyo States and to Nigerians who have been following this process, I make this request. Please examine the evidence, examine what we did before, what happened when the attack came, what this commission has found, and what we do in response. And judge us by that full record and hold us to the changes we promise.”

The Oyo State helmsman then specifically turned his attention to the plight of the Borno children, who were abducted on the very same day as the Oriire incident. “Let me end this remark by calling for intensified efforts to rescue the over 40 children kidn*pped in Borno State on the same day as the Oriire abduction, who remain in captivity 137 days later,” he declared.

Governor Makinde underscored the fundamental right of every child in Nigeria to pursue education without the looming threat to their lives. “No Nigerian child, irrespective of what corner of Nigeria they may be located, should have to fear for their life because they are trying to get educated,” he asserted. He extended gratitude to all individuals involved in the inquiry and called for sustained actions to bolster safety within schools and communities nationwide. The May 15 abduction in Oriire coincided with a separate attack on a school in Borno State, where numerous pupils and other young individuals were reportedly taken. These Borno victims have now been held for over four months, prompting continuous pleas for their safe return. Makinde concluded by stating that the ultimate measure of the government's effectiveness lies in whether its actions lead to meaningful improvements in child safety.