Trending 
The family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, one of the teachers killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, says the successful rescue of the remaining victims cannot erase the pain of losing their loved one.
Reacting to the release of the abducted pupils and teachers on Friday, Oyedokun’s niece, Oluwabukolami, who has served as the family’s spokesperson since the incident, said while other families were celebrating reunions, hers would never experience the same joy.
In a post shared on Instagram, she congratulated the rescued victims and their families but lamented that her uncle would never return 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.”
She added, “Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did. Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten.”
Earlier on Friday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers as a major relief after more than 50 days in captivity.
The Presidency also confirmed that the victims were rescued alive during a coordinated operation involving security agencies.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several others were neutralised during the operation.
He added that the rescue was carried out without yielding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their detained kingpins, who is currently facing prosecution.
The attack occurred on May 15 when gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.
During the attack, Oyedokun and another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, lost their lives. Adegboye, 49, who was shot during the invasion, was buried in Ogbomoso on May 22.
Following the incident, the state government disclosed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 pupils and seven teachers were taken from First Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
