Governor Makinde Gives Update On Curfew In Oyo, Surveillance Aircraft Delivery

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has given fresh assurances that his administration remains committed to the welfare and safety of all citizens and residents of the state.

Makinde, in a statement on Friday, also assured that the government is working around the clock in coordination with security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area.

The Governor added that the government had approved a temporary 16-hour curfew in 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park to strengthen security operations and create the conditions needed for the rescue mission.

He wrote, “Security agencies have continued intensive operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted children and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area. These efforts remain active and coordinated, with government providing every necessary support to the security agencies involved.

“As part of these ongoing operations, we approved a temporary 16-hour curfew in 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The measure is intended to strengthen security operations and create the conditions required for rescue efforts to continue effectively. Residents of the affected areas are encouraged to cooperate fully with the security agencies during this period.”

Makinde added that education remains a top priority and preparations were underway to ensure schools resumed safely despite the security challenges.

He assured that the government would take all necessary precautions to protect pupils, teachers and their host communities.

“While these security operations continue, our administration still has the responsibility of ensuring that essential public services continue to function. Preparations are therefore underway to ensure that schools can safely resume while every necessary precaution is taken to protect pupils, teachers and their communities.

“Education remains too important to be placed indefinitely on hold, and every decision continues to balance learning with the safety of our children,” he said.

As part of efforts to boost security in Oyo State, Governor Makinde disclosed that the government will soon take delivery of the state’s surveillance aircraft.

He said the delivery has entered its final phase, explaining that additional technical procedures had delayed the expected June delivery.

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

Makinde assured that the aircraft will be ready for operation when delivered.

“I would also like to report that the delivery of Oyo State’s surveillance aircraft is in its final phases.

“Additional technical procedures required before handover have extended the anticipated delivery timeline beyond the previously projected June delivery date. These final processes are designed to ensure that every operational, regulatory and safety requirement has been fully satisfied before the aircraft enters service.

“Although this has resulted in a modest adjustment to the delivery schedule, it will ensure that the aircraft is delivered fully prepared for immediate operational deployment,” he stated.

Makinde said the aircraft would significantly strengthen the state’s capacity for aerial surveillance, rapid emergency response and wider security operations, while also supporting other critical government functions.

He said, “When commissioned, 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.

“Our government will continue to provide updates as the delivery process reaches completion.”

Naija News reports that Governor Makinde said the current security challenges will not hamper the government’s commitment to strengthening public safety, education, infrastructure and other strategic investments while security agencies continue rescue operations.

He also thanked the people of Oyo State for their support and understanding.

“One thing remains true: Every period presents its own challenges. Some require immediate action, while others require steady investment in the future.

“The work of government demands both.

“As security agencies continue their operations, our administration will continue to strengthen the systems, infrastructure and institutions that improve the lives of our people.

“From public safety to education, infrastructure and strategic investments, our commitment remains the same: to build a safer, stronger and more prosperous Oyo State for everyone.