The family of Michael Oyedokun, the schoolteacher beheaded by bandits while in captivity, has reacted to the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted alongside him in Oyo State.
The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, following a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
Oyedokun was among the teachers abducted by gunmen from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State during the attack in May.
Reacting to the development, an Instagram user identified as Oluwabukolami, who described Oyedokun as her uncle, said the family remained devastated by his death despite rejoicing over the safe return of the other victims.
She said while many families were celebrating reunions with their loved ones, her family was still grieving because Oyedokun would never return 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,” she wrote.
“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.”
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attack forced the Oyo State Government to shut schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
The incident also sparked protests in parts of the country, with demonstrators demanding the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren.
Three days after the attack, Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed by the kidnappers while in captivity.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement, welcomed the successful rescue and commended the military, the DSS and the police for securing the release of the victims.
The President said the operation brought an end to more than 50 days of anxiety for the victims and their families and praised the security agencies for carrying out the mission without collateral damage.
Tinubu also applauded the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the state government to provide medical care and other necessary support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
He further pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims, including the family of Michael Oyedokun, who was killed during the abduction.
Governor Makinde also expressed joy over the successful rescue, describing the victims’ release as a welcome development after weeks of uncertainty.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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