Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for intensified efforts to rescue over 40 children abducted in Borno State, who have remained in captivity for 137 days.
Makinde made the call on Tuesday while receiving the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry constituted to investigate the May 15, 2026 abduction of students and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The governor said the commission’s report would guide government decisions, assign responsibilities and allow the public to monitor progress on measures taken following the incident.
“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,” Makinde said.
He urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians who had followed the process to examine the evidence presented by the commission and the government’s actions before, during and after the attack.
“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,” he said.
Makinde then called for intensified efforts to rescue the Borno children who were abducted on the same day as the Oriire incident.
“Let me end this remark by calling for intensified efforts to rescue the over 40 children kidnapped in Borno State on the same day as the Oriire abduction, who remain in captivity 137 days later,” he said.
He said children across the country should be able to attend school without fearing for 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,” Makinde said.
The governor thanked those involved in the inquiry and urged continued action to strengthen the safety of schools and communities.
The May 15 abduction in Oriire occurred alongside a separate attack on a school in Borno State, where dozens of pupils and other children were reportedly abducted.
The Borno victims have remained in captivity more than four months after the incident, with calls continuing for their safe rescue.
Makinde said the safety of children must ultimately determine whether measures taken by government had produced meaningful changes.