Makinde Appeals for Rescue of Over 40 Borno Children After Four Months in Captivity

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for intensified efforts to rescue more than 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 set up 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 help guide government decisions, assign responsibilities and enable the public to monitor progress on measures taken following the incident.

He urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians who had followed the inquiry to carefully examine the evidence presented by the commission and the government’s actions before, during and after the attack.

Makinde said, “Our children’s safety must be the test of what changes,” stressing that the government must be judged by the full record of its actions and the improvements promised.

The governor also called for urgent 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 stressed that every Nigerian child should be able to attend school without fear for their safety.

“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 May 15 incident 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 for more than four months, with continued calls for their safe rescue.

Makinde thanked members of the inquiry and other stakeholders involved in the process, while urging continued action to improve the security of schools and communities across the country.

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