Governor Makinde Prioritizes Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed that the safe rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from the Oriire Local Government Area remains the top priority of his administration.

In a statement issued on Friday, the governor confirmed that security agencies are engaged in intensive, coordinated operations to secure the release of the victims. To bolster these efforts, the state government has implemented a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. This measure is intended to facilitate more effective security operations and ensure the safety of the rescue mission.

Governor Makinde urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate fully with security personnel during this period. Addressing concerns regarding education, he noted that the government is developing plans for the safe resumption of schools, emphasizing that while education is vital, all necessary precautions will be taken to protect students, staff, and their host communities.

Regarding the state’s technological security infrastructure, Governor Makinde provided an update on the acquisition of the state’s surveillance aircraft. He explained that while the delivery was originally projected for June, the timeline has been slightly adjusted to accommodate final technical, regulatory, and safety procedures. Once commissioned, the aircraft is expected to significantly enhance the state’s aerial surveillance, emergency response capabilities, and overall security framework.

The governor concluded by expressing his gratitude to the people of Oyo State for their resilience and cooperation, pledging that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety, infrastructure development, and economic prosperity despite current security challenges.