Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Reacts to Victims' Release

The family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, a teacher killed during the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, shared their mixed feelings after the rescue of the other victims. While some families are celebrating, theirs will never know that joy.

Oluwabukolami, Oyedokun’s niece, spoke for the family on Instagram after the victims were freed on Friday. She said the return of the others could not take away the pain of losing her uncle.

In her Instagram post, she congratulated the rescued victims and their families. But she also said her uncle would never come back home.

“They are finally home.

“My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear, and uncertainty. Welcome home.

“But as others celebrate, my family mourns.

“My uncle, Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home. He was taken from us, and his life was brutally cut short. Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever.

“Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did.

“Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten,” she wrote.

PUNCH Online reported that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, called the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers “a big relief” after they spent 57 days in captivity. The Presidency also confirmed that the victims were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested. They are now with the Department of State Services. He added that several others were neutralized during the operation.

He noted that the rescue happened without agreeing to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their captured members, who is facing prosecution.

The attack took place on May 15. Gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area. They abducted many pupils and teachers.

During the attack, Oyedokun and another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, were killed. PUNCH Online reported that Adegboye, 49, was shot dead during the invasion. He was buried in Ogbomoso on May 22.

After the attack, Makinde revealed that seven students were kidnapped from Community Secondary School. Eighteen pupils and seven teachers were taken from First Baptist Nursery and Primary School.