The family of Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers killed during the abduction of staff and pupils of Community High School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to order an urgent search for his remains.
The appeal follows the recent rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers by security operatives after nearly two months in captivity.
In an open letter jointly signed by members of the Oyedokun family on Tuesday, the family expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the release of the surviving victims but said their grief remains unresolved because Oyedokun’s body has not been recovered for burial.
According to the family, while the successful rescue brought relief and hope to other affected families, they have been left with the pain of not being able to give their loved one a dignified burial.
“We sincerely thank Your Excellency for the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and intelligence agencies whose dedication and sacrifice led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims in Oyo State.
“The safe return of these victims has restored hope to their families and reaffirmed our confidence in the Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and liberty of its citizens. For this, we are deeply grateful.”
The family, however, said Oyedokun, who died while in captivity, is yet to be returned home.
“Our beloved relative, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, tragically lost his life while in captivity. Although the rescue operation was successful, his remains have yet to be recovered and returned to us for a dignified burial in accordance with our faith, traditions, and values.
“The absence of his body has prolonged our grief and denied our family the closure that every human being deserves. We continue to live with the pain of not knowing where he rests, unable to perform the final rites that would honour his memory and bring peace to our hearts.”
The family called on President Tinubu and Governor Makinde to direct relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the teacher’s remains.
“Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal that you direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remains of Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun.
“We are confident that the same resolve which secured the freedom of the surviving victims can also ensure that his body is returned to his family.”
They maintained that recovering Oyedokun’s remains would not only allow the family to perform his burial rites but would also uphold the dignity of every Nigerian, even in death.
“Recovering his remains is more than a humanitarian act; it is a solemn obligation that reflects the dignity of every Nigerian life. It would demonstrate that no citizen is forgotten, abandoned, or denied dignity, even in death.
“We earnestly hope this appeal will receive your compassionate and urgent consideration, so that we may finally lay our beloved husband, father, brother, and son to rest with the honour and dignity he deserves, and begin the difficult journey toward healing.”
The appeal comes after the rescue of teachers and pupils abducted from Community High School in Oriire Local Government Area.
The school’s principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, who regained her freedom after spending 57 days in captivity, had disclosed that Oyedokun was beheaded by the kidnappers on the second day of the abduction.
She also revealed that another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, was shot dead during the attack on the school, adding that the abductors killed both teachers to pressure the government into meeting their demands.
While Adegboye’s body was recovered and buried in Ogbomoso on May 22, Oyedokun’s remains are yet to be found despite the successful rescue of the surviving victims.
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