…Makinde Commends Air Force Support
…Victims Still in Captivity Three Weeks After School Attack
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State by deploying aerial surveillance aircraft to support ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.
According to a statement issued by NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force swiftly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to security agencies involved in the rescue mission.
Makinde said intelligence gathered from the surveillance operations has continued to aid security personnel in tracking developments and coordinating efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.
The governor assured residents that all available resources were being deployed to resolve the crisis and appealed for patience and cooperation from members of the public.
He praised the Nigerian Air Force for its prompt intervention, noting that the surveillance aircraft was made available at a time when Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial security assets are yet to become operational.
According to him, the state’s aircraft are currently being assembled at the NAF base in Lagos following consultations with the Air Force to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training.
Makinde expressed optimism that the new aerial assets would significantly strengthen security operations in Oyo State and neighbouring states once fully operational.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Suleh reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He also conveyed the solidarity of the Air Force with the government and people of Oyo State during the difficult period.
The Air Vice Marshal commended the state government for its continued support toward NAF projects and infrastructure development within the state.
He stressed that the Air Force would continue to collaborate with other security agencies and stakeholders to address security challenges and safeguard lives and property across the country.
The victims, comprising pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, were abducted on May 15 during a deadly attack by armed bandits in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attack shocked residents and reignited concerns over the growing insecurity in parts of Oyo State.
The situation worsened after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers was killed while in captivity.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests by teachers’ unions and civil society organisations in Ibadan and other parts of the country.
Demonstrators demanded urgent action from the government and security agencies to rescue the victims and improve security around schools.
Last week, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
In response to the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and ordered the deployment of a special rescue team to support operations in the affected areas.
More than three weeks after the abduction, families of the victims, education stakeholders and residents continue to anxiously await positive news as security agencies sustain efforts to bring the children and their teachers home safely.
