Makinde receives NAF delegation, calls for patience on Oyo abduction

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for increased patience as efforts continue to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from communities in the Oriire Local Government Area. The governor made this appeal during a courtesy visit from a Nigerian Air Force delegation led by Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Abubakar Suleh, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

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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 acknowledged the Air Force's significant support since the May 15, 2026, incident. He noted that while the state's two purchased Diamond-42 Surveillance Aircraft are still undergoing assembly at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos, the Air Force has provided a Diamond-42 Aircraft for surveillance and the ongoing rescue process. This has enabled the government to gather real-time information crucial for the safe return of the abductees.

The governor expressed understanding of the challenges faced by ground troops and emphasized the need for patience to ensure the operation's success. He thanked the Chief of Air Staff and all Air Force personnel for their unwavering support, particularly the special deployment to aid the operation. Makinde stated that the Air Force's assistance has been a source of encouragement and has provided valuable insights into the complexities of the situation.

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

He further elaborated on the state's decision to procure the Diamond-42 Aircraft, explaining that the choice was made in consultation with the Air Force to ensure easy maintenance, engineering support, and pilot training. Although the state-owned aircraft are not yet operational, the Air Force's provision of a replacement aircraft has been instrumental. Makinde stressed that the acquisition of these aircraft was a proactive measure to enhance the safety of Oyo State and its neighboring regions, acknowledging that the Air Force, like other security agencies, is stretched thin due to widespread security challenges across the country.

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Kidnapping and banditry are happening all over the country, and we felt that whatever we could do at the sub-