Makinde urges renewed effort to free Borno children held for 137 days

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for intensified efforts to rescue more than 40 children abducted in Borno State, saying they have remained in captivity for 137 days. Makinde made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving the report of a judicial commission of inquiry into the May 15 abduction of students and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. He said the commission’s report would guide government decisions, assign responsibilities and allow the public to monitor the measures taken after the incident.

Makinde said the safety of children should be the standard by which those measures are judged. The governor asked residents of Oyo State and other Nigerians to examine the evidence presented by the commission, as well as government actions before, during and after the attack. He also urged them to assess the changes promised in response to the findings.

Makinde said the Borno abduction occurred on the same day as the Oriire incident. The source material describes the Borno case as a separate attack on a school in which dozens of pupils and other children were reportedly taken. “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 added that no Nigerian child should fear for their life while trying to obtain an education. The governor thanked those involved in the inquiry and called for continued action to strengthen the safety of schools and communities.