The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an aerial surveillance aircraft to boost efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, disclosed this during a courtesy visit over the weekend by the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, who represented the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
This is as the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States called on media practitioners and members of the public to avoid associating criminal acts such as banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other social vices with Islam.
The clerics spoke when they paid a condolence and solidarity visit to the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso Land, Dr. Taliat Yunus Ayilara, following the recent kidnapping incident that has sparked widespread concern across the country.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the governor said the Air Force responded swiftly after the abduction was reported by deploying a surveillance platform that has continued to provide intelligence to security agencies involved in the search-and-rescue operation.
Makinde noted that intelligence gathered from the surveillance missions has been instrumental in tracking developments and coordinating efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
“The NAF promptly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations.
“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,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents of the affected communities and the state at large to remain patient and continue supporting ongoing security operations.
He assured residents that all necessary resources were being deployed to ensure the successful resolution of the incident.
Makinde also commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their swift response and sustained support, noting that the surveillance aircraft was made available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets were still being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Suleh reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
He conveyed the Air Force’s solidarity with the government and people of Oyo State, stressing that the service would continue to work with other security agencies to address security challenges.
Suleh said the Air Force remained committed to supporting ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.
According to the league of Imams delegation, such crimes are fundamentally opposed to the teachings and principles of the religion.
The scholars also clarified that the League of Imams and Alfas was not created as a rival body to any existing Islamic organization.
Rather, they explained that the league was established to complement ongoing efforts in Islamic propagation, promote unity among Muslims, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Islam in Yoruba Land.
Responding, Ayilara expressed gratitude to the delegation for the visit and their show of solidarity.
He commended the league’s commitment to the advancement of Islam and thanked its members for their support and goodwill during the challenging period.
The Ogbomoso Chief Imam further pledged his support for the league and encouraged its members to remain steadfast in their mission, while fostering cooperation with existing Islamic bodies for the overall progress of Islam and the welfare of Muslims across Yoruba Land.
