NAF Deploys Aerial Surveillance to Find Oyo School Abduction Victims

The Nigerian Air Force deployed an aerial surveillance aircraft to the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State over the weekend to support the ongoing search for over 40 pupils and teachers abducted from three primary schools three weeks ago, as pressure mounted on federal and state authorities to secure the victims’ release.

The Air Force confirmed the deployment in a statement, saying the aircraft would provide real-time intelligence to ground forces conducting search operations. The military said the deployment formed part of a coordinated response involving the Army, Police, Civil Defence, Amotekun Corps, and local hunters operating across the Old Oyo National Park, where the kidnappers are believed to be holding the victims.

Governor Seyi Makinde, responding to mounting public anger, told a gathering of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the National Association of Nigerian Students, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers at the Government House that the abduction was a moment of national distress. ‘Let me say this clearly, this is a time of national distress,’ Makinde said, urging politicians to resist the temptation to exploit the tragedy for partisan gain.

Teacher’s Last Words Go Viral
Meanwhile, a photograph circulating widely on social media showed a chalkboard bearing what appeared to be a final lesson written by one of the abducted teachers before the attack, with the words ‘I will be great’ visible on the board. The image went viral and triggered a wave of public emotion, intensifying demands for the government to secure the safe return of the victims.

The Federal Government delegation sent to Oyo State met with the families of the abduction victims and promised that no effort would be spared to bring them home safely. Security officials said ransom negotiations were ongoing but declined to confirm specific details about the demands being made by the kidnappers.

However, human rights lawyer Femi Falana warned against politicising the tragedy, saying the abduction should serve as a wake-up call for investment in community security across southwestern Nigeria. Furthermore, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose sparked controversy by alleging on Channels Television that Governor Makinde had orchestrated the kidnapping to blackmail President Tinubu ahead of 2027. Makinde dismissed the allegations as reckless political mischief.

Oyo Restricts Okada Operations After Dark
In addition, Oyo State has restricted commercial motorcycle riders from operating between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as a security measure following the abduction. Governor Makinde said the restriction was necessary to reduce the ease of movement available to criminal elements in rural areas at night. Consequently, the Oyo State abduction has now entered its fourth week with no confirmed rescue or ransom resolution publicly announced, as security agencies continue their operations across forest terrain in the Oke-Ogun zone.