Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday appealed for continued patience from residents as security forces work to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor made the call while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), led by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, at the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, Governor Makinde expressed deep appreciation for the Air Force’s swift support following the abduction incident on May 15, 2026. He highlighted the NAF’s provision of a Diamond-42 Surveillance Aircraft for real-time intelligence gathering, which has significantly aided ongoing rescue operations while the state’s own two Diamond-42 aircraft are still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos.
“We are distressed, but the support we have received, especially from the Air Force, has given us a lot of encouragement and insight into what we are dealing with,” Makinde said.
The governor recounted the decision-making process behind procuring the Diamond-42 aircraft. Initially considering the Caravan aircraft, the state consulted the Air Force and opted for the Diamond-42 due to easier access to maintenance, engineering support, and pilot training. He noted that the NAF’s willingness to provide a replacement aircraft during this crisis demonstrates strong partnership.
Makinde emphasized that the state purchased the aircraft proactively to enhance security not only in Oyo but also to support operations in neighbouring states, acknowledging the Air Force’s stretched resources amid rising kidnapping and banditry nationwide. He assured that the aircraft would soon be deployed and accepted the NAF’s offer for training and maintenance support at their Kaduna facility.
The governor also praised the cordial relationship between the Air Force in Ibadan and the civilian population, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises, including completing the Air Force Base and other support initiatives.
Leading the delegation, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh conveyed the apology of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was unable to attend due to a national assignment. Suleh sympathised with the governor and people of Oyo over the incident, describing kidnapping as a national security challenge.
He assured Governor Makinde that all units of the Nigerian Air Force remain committed to providing maximum support for a swift and successful resolution of the situation.
The Air Force delegation also appreciated the Oyo State Government’s support, particularly in the construction of perimeter fencing for the Air Force School in Iyana Offa, the dualisation of the Air Force Base Road in Ajia, and the allocation of land for post-service housing schemes and farms.
Members of the governor’s team at the meeting included Deputy Chief of Staff Kazeem Adeniyi, Special Adviser on Security Abayomi Fagbenro, Executive Adviser on Security Coordination Maj-Gen Lukman Tokunbo Omoniyi (retd), Executive Assistant on Security CP Sunday Odukoya (retd), and Amotekun Commandant Col. Bisiriyu Olayinka Olayanju (retd).
The NAF delegation included Group Managing Director of Nigeria Air Force Investments Ltd, Air Vice Marshal Ibitayo Victor Ajiboye, and Commander of the Air Force Station, Ibadan, Air Commodore D.U. Njoku, among others.
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