Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The widow of Mr. John Olaleye, one of the teachers who died while in the custody of bandits following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has made an emotional appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde to help recover her husband’s remains and provide support for the three children he left behind.
Speaking in an interview with journalists on July 16, 2026, the grieving widow said her hopes were shattered when she realised that her husband was not among the teachers and schoolchildren released by their captors on July 10, 2026. “I was sad when I realised that my husband, John Olaleye, was not among those who were released on July 10, 2026. So it is a great pain and sorrow to me because my husband is not among them,” she said.
The widow appealed to the Oyo State government to intervene by ensuring that her husband’s remains are recovered and returned to the family for a proper burial. “The appeal I keep making to the government is that they should please look into the matter, have mercy, and release my husband to me,” she pleaded.
Beyond the recovery of her husband’s body, the widow also begged the state government not to abandon the family, stressing that her late husband was the sole breadwinner and left behind three young children whose future is now uncertain. “He left behind three children. I am also pleading with the government to help us take care of these children, especially their education,” she said. Describing the financial hardship facing the family since her husband’s death, she said the burden of caring for the children has become overwhelming. “As his wife, he was the one taking care of the entire family. So I am begging the government to have compassion on us. Whatever assistance they can render, they should please help us,” she added.
When asked about widespread reports circulating on television and social media claiming that families of those who lost their loved ones in the Oriire abduction would receive ₦50 million as compensation, the widow said she had no knowledge of such an arrangement. She disclosed that neither she nor her family had received any official communication or financial assistance. “No, I haven’t. About the money, I haven’t heard anything about it. We haven’t received any money, and we haven’t heard anything official about it,” she stated.
John Olaleye was one of two teachers killed during the abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. While another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the attackers and his body remains unrecovered, authorities confirmed Olaleye’s death after the rescue operation. The deceased’s elder brother had earlier appealed to the authorities to recover the body, “even if only skeletal remains could be found”. He also appealed for support for the teacher’s widow and three children.
Her remarks come amid growing calls for the Federal Government and State Government to provide adequate support for families of victims affected by the tragic Oriire school abduction, particularly those who lost loved ones while in captivity. The release of the surviving teachers and schoolchildren on July 10 brought relief to many families, but for the family of John Olaleye, the joy was replaced by grief after it became clear that he would never return home.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments