FIC REPORT (OYO STATE) – The Oyo State Government has received the report from retired Justice Mojeed Owoade, the Chairman of the Judicial Panel it has set up on the abduction of the Oriire Kidnap victims.
The report was presented by the chairman of the panel, a professor, to the state governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde.
The presentation took place yesterday, Tuesday September 29th, at the Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Commission, retired Justice Owoade, said that the panel visited the scenes of the incident and inspected the affected schools to obtain first-hand information on the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
He said the Commission also held public hearings in Ikoyi-Ile, Ogbomoso and Ibadan, during which it heard from 72 witnesses comprising victims, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, experts and other stakeholders.
According to him, the report contains recommendations aimed at strengthening preventive security measures through improved intelligence gathering and enhanced cooperation between security agencies and government institutions.
Justice Owoade said the recommendations were directed at the Oyo State Government, local governments, as well as joint Federal-State authorities and the Federal Government.
He identified the review of the laws and management of forest reserves as one of the Commission’s major recommendations, particularly the Old Oyo National Park, which is under the Federal Government.
He said such a review was necessary to strengthen security and improve the management of forest areas that could pose security challenges.
Receiving the report, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde said that his administration will thoroughly examine and act on the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry it set up to investigate the abduction of students and teachers at Oriire Community in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of the state.
The governor commended the Commission for completing its assignment despite what he described as the politically charged atmosphere surrounding its establishment.
Makinde said the findings of the Commission would inform government decisions, the assignment of responsibilities and further measures to strengthen security across the state.
The Governor also commended security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the rescue operation, including the Operational Coordination Centre, Amotekun Corps, hunters, vigilantes, the military, police, intelligence services and other federal agencies.
He further appreciated the Director-General of the Department of State Services and the State Directors of Security in Oyo and Lagos States for their intervention during the incident.
The report presentation was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon. Justice O. M. Olagunju; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Biodun Aikomo; and other members of the state executive council.
Also present were security commanders, traditional and religious leaders, members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry and other stakeholders.
Report by Zainab Olayinka Kazeem (Corp member). Edited by Moses Oyelade, AD(I&PR). FIC, Ibadan.
