Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Ruth .J
The family of slain Oyo State teacher, Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, has expressed grief following the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of the state, saying the release of the victims has brought relief to many families but cannot erase the pain of losing their loved one.
On Friday, July 10, 2026, the Presidency announced the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers who were taken from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, after spending about 56 days in captivity. The operation involved security agencies, including the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the development as a major relief for the victims, their families and the country.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The attack affected pupils, students and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esin Ele, and L.A. Primary School. Reports at the time indicated that dozens of people, including seven teachers and several students, were taken away by the attackers.
During the attack, one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, was killed while in captivity. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed his death during a security briefing shortly after the incident, expressing condolences to his family while assuring residents that efforts would continue to secure the release of those still being held.
Following news of the rescue operation, Oyedokun’s niece, Oluwabukolami, who had served as a spokesperson for the family during the period of uncertainty, said the family shared in the happiness of those reunited with their loved ones but continued to mourn their personal loss. She said the return of the abducted victims could not change the fact that her uncle would never come back home.
The family’s reaction reflected the different realities faced by victims’ relatives — while many families celebrated after weeks of fear and uncertainty, others continued to deal with the permanent consequences of the attack. The killing of Oyedokun became one of the most painful aspects of the abduction, raising concerns over the safety of teachers and students in vulnerable communities.
Before the rescue, Governor Makinde had provided updates on efforts to secure the victims’ release, revealing that intelligence reports indicated the abductees were being held around the Old Oyo National Park area, a vast terrain that presented significant challenges for security operations. He repeatedly appealed to residents to avoid spreading unverified information that could affect rescue efforts.
The successful operation has been welcomed by government officials and security stakeholders, with President Tinubu commending the efforts of the military, DSS and police for ending what he described as a prolonged ordeal for the victims. The President also expressed sympathy over the trauma experienced by the abductees and their families and pledged that justice would be pursued for the family of the slain teacher.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has also called on authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding Oyedokun’s death and urged stronger protection for schools, particularly those located in rural areas where communities remain vulnerable to attacks.
The rescue of the Oriire victims has brought temporary relief to Oyo State, but the death of Michael Oyedokun remains a reminder of the human cost of insecurity and the need for stronger measures to protect schools, teachers and children across Nigeria.
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