Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in some communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state was a test of the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture.
Makinde made this disclosure while receiving the report from the judicial commission of inquiry set up to investigate the abduction.
The commission’s report was presented to the governor by its chairman, Professor Mojeed Owoade, on Tuesday.
DAILY POST gathered that 39 students and seven teachers were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, this year.
Our correspondent reports that the victims were later rescued after spending 10 weeks in the kidnappers’ den.
After the rescue operation, Makinde set up the commission.
While receiving the commission’s report on Tuesday, Makinde explained that the abduction tested the security architecture his administration had built over the years.
He then assured members of the public that his administration would thoroughly examine the recommendations of the commission.
Addressing the gathering, Makinde explained that he set up the commission to examine how the attack occurred, what information was available and how institutions responded to the attack.
“The Oriire attack tested the security architecture the administration had built over the years. When we came into office, the 615 toll free number had been approved but was not yet operational. The City Watch and Security Control Room infrastructure had also been initiated, although parts of the system were not functioning as they should.
“Some people will say that under this administration, we brought down the crime rate. But Oriire is part of the record. No responsible government can point to earlier progress and ask families to overlook a grave failure of protection.
“This commission’s report will lead to decisions, assigning responsibilities, and progress that the public can follow. Our children’s safety must be the test of what changes.”