Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appealed to residents to remain patient as security agencies continue efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor made the appeal on Friday while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar A. Suleh, during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office at the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde disclosed that although the two Diamond-42 surveillance aircraft procured by the Oyo State Government are still being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos, the Air Force had provided one of its own Diamond-42 aircraft to support surveillance and rescue operations.
According to him, the aircraft has been supplying real-time intelligence that is assisting ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
He noted that the government understands the challenges facing security personnel on the ground and stressed that patience is necessary to ensure a successful rescue operation.
“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.
Makinde explained that the decision to purchase the Diamond-42 aircraft followed consultations with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure easy access to maintenance, engineering support and pilot training.
He added that the aircraft were acquired to strengthen security not only in Oyo State but also in neighbouring states, especially at a time when the Air Force is stretched by security challenges across the country.
The governor appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday K. Aneke, as well as officers and men of the Air Force for their support since the abduction occurred, assuring that Oyo State would continue to deepen its partnership with the military.
He also pledged that the state government would fulfil its commitments to the Air Force, including support for the completion of facilities at the Air Force Base in Ibadan.
Earlier, AVM Suleh conveyed the apology of the Chief of Air Staff, who was unable to attend the visit due to another national assignment.
He sympathised with the governor and the people of Oyo State over the abduction, describing kidnapping as a national security challenge.
Suleh assured the governor that all units of the Nigerian Air Force would continue to provide maximum support towards ensuring the safe rescue of the victims and restoring normalcy to the affected communities.
The Air Officer Commanding also commended the Makinde administration for its support to the Air Force, including the construction of perimeter fencing at the Air Force School, Iyana Offa, the dualisation of the Air Force Base Road in Ajia, and the provision of land for post-service housing schemes and farms.
Members of the delegation included the Group Managing Director of 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.
Senior government officials present at the meeting 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 Commandant of Amotekun Corps, Col. Bisiriyu Olayinka Olayanju (rtd).
