“No Nigerian Child Should Fear For Life Because They Want Education” — Makinde Demands Rescue Of Borno Children Held For 137 Days

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 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 guide government decisions, assign responsibilities and allow the public to monitor progress on measures taken after 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 to examine the evidence and the actions taken by government before, during and after the attack.

“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 stated.

Makinde then drew attention to the Borno abduction which occurred 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.

“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,” the governor added.

The May 15 attack in Oriire occurred alongside a separate school attack in Borno where dozens of pupils were reportedly abducted. The Borno victims have remained in captivity for over four months, with calls continuing for their safe rescue.