Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured families and residents in Oriire Local Government Area that efforts are ongoing to free the recently abducted teachers and pupils there.
Mr Makinde shared this promise on Friday while meeting with a Nigerian Air Force team led by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, who is the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, in Ibadan, the state capital.
He called on residents, especially those in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire LGA, to remain patient as the rescue operation is underway.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Air Force for sending a Diamond-42 surveillance aircraft to monitor the rescue in real-time.
He explained the state has ordered two Diamond-42 aircraft, which are being put together at the NAF base in Lagos. The Air Force provided a replacement plane while the state’s aircraft are being assembled.
Mr Makinde stressed that patience is key for a successful operation. He noted that his government acquired the aircraft to help reduce the pressure on security forces.
He also mentioned that the state would accept the NAF's offer to train pilots and maintain the aircraft once they are ready.
The governor praised the Air Force's good relationship with civilians in Ibadan. He promised to keep the state's commitments, including completing the Air Force Base and other projects.
Mr Suleh apologized for the absence of the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, who was away on national duties.
He assured Mr Makinde that all NAF units are focused on resolving the situation quickly. He also acknowledged the governor's support for projects like the perimeter fence for the Air Force School in Iyana Offa and the dualization of the Ajia base road.
The delegation included AVM Ibitayo Victor Ajiboye, the GMD of NAF Investments Ltd, and Air Commodore D.U. Njoku, the Commander of the Air Force Station Ibadan.
The abduction took place on May 15 when armed men attacked schools in Oriire LGA near Ogbomoso, taking about 39 pupils and seven teachers.
This incident sparked widespread anger in Oyo State and raised new concerns about school safety. As of Friday, the victims had been in captivity for about 21 days, with families and education stakeholders eagerly waiting for their return.
The situation worsened when the abductors killed one of the victims, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, and threatened to execute others. This news increased fear among families and residents, leading to urgent calls for action from security agencies and government officials.
The abduction also led the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to start an indefinite strike on June 1. They are demanding the immediate rescue of the victims and better security in schools.
On Friday, Mr Makinde announced that commercial motorcycles, known as okadas, would not be allowed to operate between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. across the state to enhance security and tackle crime.
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