MAKINDE URGES PATIENCE AS OYO GOVERNMENT, AIR FORCE INTENSIFY RESCUE OPERATIONS FOR ABDUCTED SCHOOLCHILDREN AND TEACHERS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday called for calm and patience over ongoing efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, assuring that security agencies are working round the clock to secure their release.
The governor made the appeal while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Abubakar Suleh, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde said all relevant security stakeholders were fully engaged in the rescue operation, noting that progress had been made through coordinated surveillance and intelligence efforts.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor expressed appreciation for the support of the Nigerian Air Force since the incident occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026.
He noted that although the two Diamond-42 surveillance aircraft procured by the state government are still being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos, the Air Force had provided an alternative aircraft to support ongoing surveillance operations.
Makinde explained that the collaboration had yielded real-time intelligence being used to guide rescue efforts.
“We are distressed, but the support that we have received, especially from the Air Force, has given us a lot of encouragement and insight into what we are dealing with,” the governor said.
He added that the decision to acquire the Diamond-42 aircraft was taken in consultation with the Air Force to ensure efficiency in maintenance, training, and operational support.
Makinde further stated that the aircraft, once fully deployed, would enhance security surveillance not only in Oyo State but also in neighbouring states.
He stressed the need for continued cooperation between the state government and the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in training personnel and maintaining aviation assets.
The governor also commended the Air Force for its cordial relationship with civilians and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security infrastructure in the state.
He assured that the government would fulfil all existing commitments to the Air Force, including ongoing projects such as the completion of facilities at the Air Force Base.
Earlier, AVM Suleh conveyed the apologies of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was unable to attend the visit due to other national duties.
He assured the governor that the Air Force remained fully committed to supporting rescue operations and addressing the broader challenge of kidnapping in the country.
Suleh commended the state government for its support, including infrastructure projects such as fencing of the Air Force School in Iyana Offa, road dualisation near the Air Force Base, and land allocations for housing and agricultural schemes.
Senior security officials and government functionaries, including the Deputy Chief of Staff, security advisers, and Amotekun leadership, were present at the meeting.
The state government reiterated that coordinated efforts among security agencies remained ongoing, urging residents to remain patient as operations continue to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
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