The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that several victims are still missing following the abduction of schoolchildren and staff in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson, DSP Oluyinka Ayanlade, disclosed that seven students, 18 pupils, and seven teachers are still missing after the incident, which affected Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in Esiele community, Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

“Seven students, 18 pupils, and seven teachers are still missing,” the police disclosed while speaking during an interview on Channels TV.

The attack, which occurred last Friday, has triggered renewed concern over school security in the state, as authorities continue search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating the abducted victims and apprehending those responsible.

Security agencies have intensified patrols in surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State earlier disclosed that the surveillance aircraft procured by his administration has already arrived in Nigeria and is currently at a Nigerian Air Force facility in Lagos.

Briefing journalists at the Government House in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde stated that the aircraft is getting assembled before deployment to support security operations in the state.

The press briefing was held following multiple attacks by bandits on three schools in Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire local government area of the state.

Makinde said, “The surveillance aircraft have arrived in the country. As of today, they are at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos, where they are being assembled. The manufacturer from China arrived in the country about three days ago. They should have about two weeks to finish their work. I can say conclusively that those surveillance aircraft should be in operation on or before the end of June.” (The Guardian)