News Investigators/ Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde has promised to make public his administration’s response to the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Mr Makinde made the pledge on Tuesday while receiving the report from the Chairman of the Commission, retired Justice Mojeed Owoade, at the state secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Oriire abduction occurred on May 15, while the victims were rescued on July 10, after spending 56 days in captivity.
The state government thereafter constituted the Commission of Inquiry on the incident.
Mr Makinde said that his government would carefully study the recommendations, make its position public and outline concrete actions to be taken.
The governor assured that while sensitive information capable of endangering lives or prejudicing security operations would be protected, confidentiality would not be used as an excuse to avoid accountability.
He explained that the Commission was constituted to establish how the attack occurred, examine available intelligence and institutional response, and identify possible intelligence, administrative and operational failures.
Mr Makinde said that recommendations relating to federal security agencies would be taken up with the appropriate authorities, while issues within the jurisdiction of the state and local governments would also be addressed.
He also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue more than 40 children reportedly abducted in Borno State on the same day as the Oriire incident, stressing that no Nigerian child should live in fear while pursuing education.
Earlier, Owoade disclosed that the Commission heard from 72 witnesses, including victims, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, experts, and other stakeholders.
He identified the review of laws and management of forest reserves, particularly the Old Oyo National Park, as one of the major recommendations of the Commission.
He expressed optimism that the state government would give the report expeditious attention to strengthen the protection of schools and communities.
NAN