Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for continued patience as efforts to rescue abducted teachers and pupils from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area intensify. He assured that all available resources are being deployed to ensure the safe return of the victims.
The governor made the appeal on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) led by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar A. Suleh, Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, at the Governor's Office in Ibadan.
Air Force Support in Rescue Operation
Governor Makinde expressed gratitude for the Air Force's assistance since the abduction occurred. He noted that while two Diamond-42 Surveillance Aircraft purchased by the state government are still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos, the Air Force has provided its own Diamond-42 aircraft for surveillance and rescue operations. This has supplied real-time intelligence crucial for the rescue mission.
He stated, "We are distressed, but the support we have received, especially from the Air Force, has given us encouragement and insight into what we are dealing with." The governor acknowledged the challenges faced by ground troops and emphasized that patience is essential for a successful operation.
Strategic Aircraft Procurement
Makinde explained that the decision to acquire the Diamond-42 aircraft was made in consultation with the Air Force to ensure easy maintenance, engineering support, and pilot training. He said, "We bought those aircraft without anyone's prompting. We felt we required them to make Oyo State even safer and for adjoining states, because the Air Force is stretched."
He added that once the aircraft are deployed, the state will seek further support from the NAF for training and maintenance, including use of the Air Force hangar in Kaduna.
Commendation and Assurance
The governor commended the cordial relationship between the NAF and civilians in Ibadan, promising to deepen ties. He assured that the state government would fulfill its commitments, including completing the Air Force Base and other infrastructure projects.
Earlier, AVM Suleh conveyed the Chief of Air Staff's apologies for not attending personally due to urgent national duties. He sympathized with the governor and assured that all NAF units would continue to provide the best services for a quick resolution of the abduction.
AVM Suleh also thanked the governor for supporting the Air Force units involved in the search and rescue, as well as for constructing the perimeter fencing of the Air Force School in Iyana Offa, dualising the Air Force Base Road in Ajia, and approving land for post-service housing and farms.
Delegation and Government Officials
The delegation included Air Vice Marshal Ibitayo Victor Ajiboye, Group Managing Director of NAF Investments Ltd, and Air Commodore D.U. Njoku, Commander of the Air Force Station, Ibadan. Government officials present were Deputy Chief of Staff Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi, Special Adviser on Security Mr. Abayomi Fagbenro, Executive Adviser on Security Coordination Major-Gen Lukman Tokunbo Omoniyi (rtd), Executive Assistant on Security CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), and Amotekun Commandant Col. Bisiriyu Olayinka Olayanju (rtd).
