The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured residents and families in Oriire Local Government Area that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of abducted teachers and pupils in the area.
The governor gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting in Ibadan with a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force led by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, AVM Abubakar A. Suleh.
He called for calm among residents, particularly those in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities, noting that security operations were being intensified to rescue the victims.
Makinde expressed appreciation to the Air Force for deploying a Diamond-42 surveillance aircraft to support real-time monitoring of the ongoing rescue mission.
He disclosed that the state had procured two Diamond-42 aircraft, which are currently being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force base in Lagos, adding that a replacement aircraft was provided by the Force to sustain operations pending completion.
According to him, the intervention underscores the need for patience as security agencies continue coordinated efforts to achieve a successful outcome.
The governor also explained that the aircraft acquisition was part of his administration’s proactive measures to support overstretched security agencies in the state.
He further noted that the state government would take advantage of the Air Force’s offer to train pilots and maintain the aircraft once they become operational.
Makinde commended the cordial relationship between the Air Force and civilians in Ibadan and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations, including the completion of the Air Force Base and other ongoing projects.
The Air Officer Commanding, AVM Suleh, apologized for the absence of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was engaged in national duties.
He assured the governor that the Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to ensuring the swift resolution of the situation, while also acknowledging the state government’s support for several projects, including infrastructure developments at the Air Force School in Iyana Offa, road dualisation to the Ajia base, and land allocations for housing and agricultural use.
Other members of the delegation included the Group Managing Director of NAF Investments Ltd, AVM Ibitayo Victor Ajiboye, and the Commander of the Air Force Station in Ibadan, Air Commodore D.U. Njoku.