Makinde Urges Calm As Air Force Intensifies Efforts On Abducted Teachers, Pupils

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed for patience as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue abducted teachers and pupils from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire local government area of the state.

The governor made the appeal yesterday when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force led by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar A. Suleh, who paid him a courtesy visit in Ibadan.

Makinde expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Air Force’s support since the incident occurred, noting that the collaboration had provided valuable real-time intelligence being used to guide ongoing rescue operations.

He disclosed that although the two Diamond-42 surveillance aircraft procured by the Oyo State Government were still being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos, the Air Force had deployed its own Diamond-42 aircraft to support surveillance operations and rescue efforts.

According to him, the deployment has significantly enhanced situational awareness and strengthened coordination in the search for the abducted victims, while stressing that patience and continued cooperation are required for a successful outcome.

The governor also commended the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday K. Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force for their continued support.

describing their collaboration with the state as critical to addressing the security challenges posed by kidnapping and banditry.

He further explained that the state deliberately invested in the Diamond-42 aircraft to strengthen sub-national security response, noting that the platforms would soon be deployed once fully assembled and that arrangements would be made with the Air Force for maintenance and operational support.

Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Suleh conveyed the apology of the Chief of Air Staff, who was unable to attend the visit due to other national engagements, and assured the governor of the Air Force’s continued commitment to the rescue operation.

He sympathised with the government and families of the abducted victims, describing kidnapping as a growing national security challenge, and reaffirmed that the Air Force would continue to provide full operational support towards securing their release.

Also speaking, the Air Officer Commanding’s entourage praised the Makinde administration for its support to the Nigerian Air Force in Oyo State, including infrastructure projects such as the Air Force School perimeter fencing, dualisation of the Air Force Base Road, and allocation of land for post-service housing and agricultural schemes.

The delegation included senior Air Force officials such as the Group Managing Director, Nigeria Air Force Investments Ltd, Air Vice Marshal Ibitayo Victor Ajiboye, and the Commander of the Air Force Station, Ibadan, Air Commodore D.U. Njoku, among others.

Government officials present at the reception included the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Abayomi Fagbenro; Executive Adviser on Security Coordination, Major General Lukman Tokunbo Omoniyi (rtd); Executive Assistant on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd); and the Amotekun Commandant, Col. Bisiriyu Olayinka Olayanju (rtd).