Makinde seeks patience over Oriire abduction as Air Force intensifies rescue support

Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed for patience as security agencies continue efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring residents that authorities are working round the clock to secure their safe return.

The governor made the appeal on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support since the abduction occurred, revealing that the force had deployed one of its surveillance aircraft to aid rescue operations while the two Diamond-42 surveillance aircraft purchased by the state government are still being assembled.

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According to the governor, the aircraft has provided real-time intelligence that is proving valuable to ongoing rescue efforts.

“We are distressed, but the support that we have received, especially from the Air Force, has given us a lot of encouragement and has given a lot of insight into what we are dealing with,” Makinde said.

The governor noted that security operatives on the ground are facing significant challenges and urged residents to remain patient as authorities carefully coordinate the operation.

He explained that the decision to acquire the Diamond-42 surveillance aircraft was reached after consultations with the Air Force, with the aim of strengthening Oyo State’s security capacity and supporting federal security agencies.

“When we took the decision to get the Diamond-42 aircraft, it was taken with the Air Force in mind,” he said.

“We wanted a platform that would allow us easy access to maintenance, engineering support and pilot training whenever required. Following consultations, it became clear that the Diamond-42 was the best option.”

Makinde disclosed that although the aircraft are yet to be delivered to the state, the Air Force has provided a replacement aircraft to support surveillance operations linked to the Oriire abduction.

“Yes, we procured the Diamond-42 aircraft, and the Air Officer Commanding has just confirmed that those aircraft are at the hangar of the Air Force in Lagos,” he said.

“But the Nigerian Air Force provided us with a replacement to carry out the surveillance work during this incident.”

The governor said Oyo State invested in the aircraft as part of broader efforts to enhance security, noting that the Air Force remains overstretched due to widespread security challenges across the country.

“We bought those aircraft without anyone’s prompting. We went that route because we felt we required that to make Oyo State even safer and for adjoining states as well,” he said.

“Kidnapping and banditry are happening all over the country, and we felt that whatever we could do at the sub-national level to make their job a little easier, we should do it.”

Makinde also pledged continued support for the Nigerian Air Force and expressed readiness to partner with the force on training and maintenance once the surveillance aircraft become operational.

“Our surveillance aircraft are being assembled and very soon they will be deployed to do what they are supposed to do,” he added.

“So, please let the Chief of Air Staff know that we will take up the offer of further support from the Nigerian Air Force to train our people and also for maintenance of the aircraft.”

The governor further praised the Air Force’s cordial relationship with residents of Oyo State and assured the delegation that his administration would fulfil commitments made to the force, including support for infrastructure projects at its facilities in the state.

Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Suleh conveyed the apologies of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who was unable to lead the delegation because of another official engagement.

He sympathised with the governor and residents over the abduction, describing kidnapping as a growing national security challenge.

Suleh said the Chief of Air Staff had directed the delegation to assure Oyo State that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to provide maximum support toward securing the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.

He also commended Governor Makinde for his administration’s support to Air Force formations in the state, including infrastructure development and other strategic interventions aimed at strengthening security operations.