Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed relief over the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro, Eshinle and Yawata communities in Oriire Local Government Area, while calling for an independent international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Addressing residents in a state wide broadcast, the governor described the reunion of the victims with their families as a moment of thanksgiving, saying the development ended weeks of uncertainty and anxiety for parents and the entire state.
Makinde, however, said the celebration was overshadowed by the tragic loss of lives recorded during the abduction, paying tribute to teachers, security personnel, hunters and Amotekun operatives who died in the line of duty.
He identified the deceased teachers as Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed during the attack on the school, Mr. King John Olaleye, who died while in captivity, and Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose killing was captured in a widely circulated video.
The governor also honoured Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Mr. Adegun Shuaibu, Mr. Issa Saliu, Mr. Raphael Ayuba and an unnamed soldier who lost their lives during rescue operations. He wished Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries, a speedy recovery.
Makinde thanked residents of Oyo State for their patience, resilience and cooperation throughout the security operations, particularly those affected by movement restrictions and curfews imposed to safeguard lives and property.
Warning that the security threat had not been completely eliminated, the governor urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies or through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615.
He announced that the state government would immediately strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park by tightening oversight of access routes, improving intelligence gathering, enhancing collaboration with local communities and security agencies, and introducing measures to regulate movement within the affected corridors.
According to him, although national parks fall under the control of the Federal Government, the state remains committed to taking every lawful step to protect its citizens.
Makinde further called on international human rights and accountability bodies, including agencies within the United Nations system, to independently examine the facts surrounding the abduction and the circumstances leading to its resolution.
He said the move was aimed at reinforcing public confidence, ensuring that the truth is established and holding accountable anyone found culpable, regardless of status or affiliation.
The governor stressed that Nigerians deserved a transparent account of what transpired, including whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion, noting that the issue transcended politics and was about justice for the victims and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security system.
Reassuring parents across Oyo State, Makinde pledged that his administration would continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture, protect schools and communities, and support every lawful effort to ensure that those responsible for the tragedy are brought to justice.
He concluded by praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and asking God to continue to protect Oyo State and Nigeria.
