Residents of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been thrown into mourning following the killing of one of the abducted teachers of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, identified as Michael Oyedokun.
Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded by suspected bandits in a disturbing video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday.
The video, which surfaced on Telegram and was obtained on Monday, showed the victim tied up and forced to speak before he was gruesomely killed by his captors. The development has sparked outrage and renewed fears over the safety of other victims still being held in captivity.
The slain teacher was among the seven staff members abducted during the attack on the school by armed gunmen on Friday, May 15. The attackers reportedly invaded the school premises and kidnapped the principal, teachers and several students, worsening insecurity concerns in the area.
The latest incident has heightened tension across the community, with residents, relatives of the victims and concerned indigenes calling on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue operations before more lives are lost.
Confirming the killing on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased teacher and assured that the government remained committed to rescuing those still in captivity.
According to him, the state government is deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.
“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly,” he said.
“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists.”
Olanrewaju disclosed that security agencies had recorded some breakthroughs in the operation, revealing that about six suspects connected to the kidnapping had already been arrested within the community.
“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.
“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists.
“Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he added.
The governor’s aide also sympathised with the families of security operatives involved in the rescue mission who lost their lives during the operation.
According to him, members of the tactical team comprising soldiers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes died after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors.
He noted that other injured security personnel were responding positively to treatment, assuring that the government would bear the cost of their medical care.
He further appealed to families of the abducted victims, religious organisations and other concerned stakeholders to remain patient as efforts continue to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity in parts of Oyo State and across Nigeria, especially following recent reports of kidnappings and attacks along major roads and rural communities.
News Source: The Punch
