Rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers remain my administration’s top priority – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the safety and wellbeing of residents, particularly the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, remain the foremost priority of his administration.

In a statement released on Friday, the governor said security agencies had continued intensive and coordinated operations aimed at securing the safe return of the victims, assuring residents that the state government was providing every necessary support to the ongoing rescue efforts.

He wrote, “Security agencies have continued intensive operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted children and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area. These efforts remain active and coordinated, with government providing every necessary support to the security agencies involved.

Makinde said the government had approved a temporary 16-hour curfew in 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park to strengthen security operations and create the conditions needed for the rescue mission.

“As part of these ongoing operations, we approved a temporary 16-hour curfew in 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The measure is intended to strengthen security operations and create the conditions required for rescue efforts to continue effectively. Residents of the affected areas are encouraged to cooperate fully with the security agencies during this period,” he said.

The governor also said preparations were underway to ensure schools resumed safely despite the security challenges, stressing that the government would take all necessary precautions to protect pupils, teachers and their host communities.

“While these security operations continue, our administration still has the responsibility of ensuring that essential public services continue to function. Preparations are therefore underway to ensure that schools can safely resume while every necessary precaution is taken to protect pupils, teachers and their communities.

“Education remains too important to be placed indefinitely on hold, and every decision continues to balance learning with the safety of our children.

Makinde further disclosed that the delivery of the state’s surveillance aircraft had entered its final phase, explaining that additional technical procedures had delayed the expected June delivery.

According to him, the remaining processes are necessary to ensure that all operational, regulatory and safety requirements are fully met before the aircraft is handed over.

“I would also like to report that the delivery of Oyo State’s surveillance aircraft is in its final phases.

“Additional technical procedures required before handover have extended the anticipated delivery timeline beyond the previously projected June delivery date. These final processes are designed to ensure that every operational, regulatory and safety requirement has been fully satisfied before the aircraft enters service.

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“Although this has resulted in a modest adjustment to the delivery schedule, it will ensure that the aircraft is delivered fully prepared for immediate operational deployment,” he stated.

He said the aircraft would significantly strengthen the state’s capacity for aerial surveillance, rapid emergency response and wider security operations, while also supporting other critical government functions.

“When commissioned, the aircraft will significantly strengthen the state’s capacity for aerial surveillance, rapid emergency response and wider security operations, while also supporting other critical government functions.

Makinde assured residents that the government would continue to provide updates as the delivery process nears completion.

“Our government will continue to provide updates as the delivery process reaches completion.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening public safety, education, infrastructure and other strategic investments while security agencies continue rescue operations.

“One thing remains true: Every period presents its own challenges. Some require immediate action, while others require steady investment in the future.

“The work of government demands both.

“As security agencies continue their operations, our administration will continue to strengthen the systems, infrastructure and institutions that improve the lives of our people.

“From public safety to education, infrastructure and strategic investments, our commitment remains the same: to build a safer, stronger and more prosperous Oyo State for everyone.

“We thank the good people of Oyo State for their continued cooperation, resilience and support,” the governor added.