***Reveals surveillance aircraft tracking kidnappers, hails NAF support
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed to residents to remain patient as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Makinde gave the assurance on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar A. Suleh, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor said all hands are on deck to secure the safe release of the victims, adding that intelligence gathered through aerial surveillance is already assisting ongoing rescue operations.
According to him, although the two Diamond-42 surveillance aircraft purchased by the Oyo State Government are still being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos, the Air Force promptly deployed one of its own surveillance aircraft to support the search mission.
“We are distressed, but the support we have received, especially from the Air Force, has encouraged us and provided valuable insight into what we are dealing with,” Makinde said.
“The Air Force provided us with a replacement aircraft to carry out surveillance operations during this incident, and the information being gathered is helping us in the rescue efforts.”
The governor disclosed that the decision to acquire the Diamond-42 aircraft was taken after consultations with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure the state would have a reliable platform for surveillance, maintenance support and pilot training.
He noted that the aircraft would soon be deployed to strengthen security operations across Oyo State and neighbouring states.
Makinde commended the Chief of Air Staff and officers of the Nigerian Air Force for standing firmly with the state since the abduction occurred, describing their support as critical to ongoing efforts to bring the victims home safely.
He also pledged to deepen the partnership between the state government and the Air Force, assuring that promises made to the military, including support for the completion of projects at the Air Force Base in Ibadan, would be fulfilled.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Suleh conveyed the apologies of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was unable to lead the delegation due to another national assignment.
He sympathised with the government and people of Oyo State over the abduction, describing kidnapping as a growing national security challenge requiring collective action.
Suleh assured the governor that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to deploy its resources and expertise to support the search-and-rescue operation until the victims are safely reunited with their families.
The Air Officer Commanding also commended Makinde for his administration’s support to the Nigerian Air Force, including infrastructure projects, land allocations and assistance to Air Force formations in the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Air Force to maintaining security and supporting efforts aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.
