By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday said it has intensified efforts to support the rescue of teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State by maintaining aerial surveillance operations in the affected areas.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, who said the service had continued to provide intelligence support to security agencies involved in the ongoing search-and-rescue mission.
“Governor Makinde revealed that the NAF promptly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations. According to him, intelligence generated from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating efforts towards securing the safe release of the victims,” the statement read in part.
According to the statement, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, on June 5.
Makinde noted that the Air Force responded swiftly after receiving reports of the abduction, deploying surveillance assets that have since played a key role in generating intelligence for security operatives working to secure the victims’ release.
The governor appealed to residents of the affected communities to remain patient and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that every available resource was being deployed to resolve the situation and ensure the safe return of those abducted.
He also commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their rapid intervention, explaining that the surveillance support became necessary as the state’s newly acquired aerial assets were still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos.
Makinde further disclosed that the state procured the aircraft following consultations with the Air Force to guarantee access to technical support, maintenance services, engineering expertise and pilot training. He expressed optimism that the assets would significantly boost security operations within Oyo State and neighbouring areas once they become fully operational.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Suleh reaffirmed the NAF’s solidarity with the Oyo State Government and its people, pledging continued support for efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted teachers and pupils.
He also praised the state government for its support towards Air Force projects and infrastructure development in Oyo State.
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and stakeholders to protect lives and property while addressing security challenges across the country.
Heritage Times HT reports that the abduction occurred on May 15, when armed men launched coordinated attacks on three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The attackers reportedly stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.E.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele during school hours, forcing their victims into nearby forests. The incident, which claimed the life of a teacher who was shot while trying to protect pupils and later sparked national outrage following reports that another abducted teacher was killed in captivity, has heightened concerns over the spread of school kidnappings to Nigeria’s South-West region.
Since the attack, security agencies say they have sustained search-and-rescue operations, while the Nigerian Air Force has deployed aerial surveillance assets to provide intelligence support aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.
