The Management of Akure Airport has assured the public, and particularly prospective travellers, that the facility is safe and secure.
It gave the assurance just as it dismissed as false social media reports that bandits had infiltrated the airport.
In fact, the Airport Manager, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adebiyi, described the viral report as false and misleading, assuring that no incidents of banditry have been recorded at the airport.
She spoke on Monday at a meeting with the state police boss, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, who had led a fact-finding visit to the airport, accompanied by ACP Operations and other senior officers.
A viral Facebook post authored by one Eniola Ojajuni, had sparked off the rumour, alarming that bandits had allegedly infiltrated the airport.
This in turn, fueled public anxiety.
As reported by The Hope, Upon arrival, the CP was received by Airport Manager, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adebiyi, the Deputy General Manager (Aviation Security) and Airport Chief of Security (ACoS) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Akure Chapter, Mr. Benneth Iwuchukwu, and key departmental heads.
During the meeting, Mrs. Adebiyi described the viral claim as false and misleading, assuring that no incidents of banditry have been recorded at the airport.
She clarified that the airport’s main security challenge is the incursion of herders and cattle into restricted airside operational areas. She commended the cooperation of the DPO, Oba-Ile Division, in maintaining airport security.
The CP inspected the perimeter fence, identifying points where herders had gained unauthorised access in the past.
He also directed the DPO and airport officials to hold a meeting with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association leaders to forestall future encroachments.
Airport officials reiterated that passenger safety remains their top priority and urged the public to verify information before spreading unconfirmed reports online.
The visit, which lasted about an hour, included key airport personnel such as HOU CII CASO Ahmed Olalekan, OC AVSEC Administration, Saso Adeosun I; HOD Operations, Abuh Yakubu; LW and S Adeniji Arabambi, and HOD Environment, Lucas Afolabi.
Mrs. Adebiyi stressed: “We wish to assure travelers and residents that Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu Airport is fully secure. The viral post is unfounded, and operations continue as normal.”
