Recovery of kidnapped Oyo students and staff is a pressing concern that my government is fully committed to addressing – Makinde

The foremost priority of Governor Seyi Makinde's administration in Oyo State remains the safety and wellbeing of residents, with a particular focus on the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area.

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Security agencies have been conducting intensive and coordinated operations to secure the safe return of the victims, with the state government providing every necessary support to the ongoing rescue efforts, as stated by the governor in a statement released on Friday.

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According to Governor Makinde, the government has approved a temporary 16-hour curfew in 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park to strengthen security operations and create the necessary conditions for the rescue mission.

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The curfew, which is intended to support the security agencies involved, requires the full cooperation of residents in the affected areas, the governor emphasized.

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Preparations are underway to ensure that schools can safely resume despite the security challenges, with the government taking all necessary precautions to protect pupils, teachers, and their host communities, Governor Makinde said.

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The governor noted that education is too important to be placed indefinitely on hold, and every decision will balance learning with the safety of the children.

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The delivery of the state's surveillance aircraft has entered its final phase, although additional technical procedures have delayed the expected June delivery, Governor Makinde disclosed.

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

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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, Governor Makinde stated.

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The governor assured residents that the government will continue to provide updates as the delivery process nears completion.

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

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The governor emphasized that his administration will continue to strengthen the systems, infrastructure, and institutions that improve the lives of the people, from public safety to education, infrastructure, and strategic investments.

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Ultimately, the goal of the administration remains the same: to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Oyo State for everyone, Governor Makinde said, thanking the people of Oyo State for their continued cooperation, resilience, and support.