By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
AERIAL SURVEILLANCE support for efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers from Yawota and Ahoro Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has continued, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the development was confirmed during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.
A statement by NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the visit highlighted the Air Force’s commitment to working with state authorities to address the security crisis that has left 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers, in captivity since May 15, 2026.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said the Air Force deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing intelligence to support search and rescue operations.
Makinde said intelligence generated from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating efforts to secure the victims’ release.
He stated that the intervention came at a time when Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial security assets had yet to become operational.
He added that the surveillance aircraft was made available while the state’s newly procured aircraft were still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos.
The governor said the state acquired the aerial platforms following consultations with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training.
He also expressed confidence that the assets would enhance security operations across Oyo State and neighbouring states once fully operational.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Suleh reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting rescue operations and working with other security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
He conveyed the NAF’s solidarity with the government and people of Oyo State and commended the state government’s support for Air Force projects and infrastructure development within the state.
Suleh said the Air Force would continue to work closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property while addressing security challenges across the country.
The NAF urged residents to remain patient and supportive, assuring that coordinated resources were being deployed to resolve the situation.
Pupils and teachers of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15, 2026, during an attack by armed bandits.
The attackers reportedly seized 39 pupils and seven teachers, bringing the total number of victims to 46.
The abduction has claimed lives. Mr Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro Esinele, was killed while in captivity.
An Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr Adesiyan was also killed during the attack, alongside an unidentified motorcycle rider. Some teachers were reportedly shot or injured.
President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of a specialised tactical security unit to launch a fresh rescue operation and ensure the victims are returned safely.
In a statement issued on June 1, 2026, the President said security agencies had been instructed to sustain intelligence driven operations and deploy all lawful resources necessary to secure the victims’ release.
He also approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 local forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and secure forest corridors often exploited by criminal elements.
The Federal Government delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila later visited the affected Esiele and Yawota communities to assess the situation and meet with families of the victims.
The delegation included National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.
The delegation assured residents that all necessary resources were being deployed to secure the victims’ safe return.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that addressing protesters in Ibadan on June 2, Governor Makinde appealed for support for ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.
“This is not the time to trade blames that it’s the President that should have handled this or the governor or the local government chairman.
“This is the time to pull together as one, because we are not dealing with normal human beings. The bandits are not normal people,” he said.
He added: “I wouldn’t have been born if such incident happened to him while teaching there.”
Makinde urged residents to remain patient and support ongoing security operations, assuring them that resources were being deployed to ensure the successful resolution of the incident.
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