The family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, one of the teachers killed during the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order the recovery of his remains, saying they cannot find closure until his body is returned home for burial.
In an open letter addressed to the President on Tuesday, the grieving family acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in securing the freedom of the surviving victims but said their pain remained unresolved because Oyedokun’s body had yet to be located.
The appeal comes days after security operatives successfully rescued dozens of abducted pupils and teachers who had spent nearly two months in captivity.
While expressing gratitude for the successful rescue operation, the family praised the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other security agencies involved.
According to the letter, the operation restored hope to many families whose loved ones were rescued alive.
“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.”
Despite celebrating the rescue of the surviving victims, the family said it has been unable to mourn properly because the remains of Oyedokun have not been recovered.
They explained that the absence of his body has denied them the opportunity to perform his final burial rites in accordance with their faith and cultural traditions.
“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.”
Family Appeals For Presidential Intervention
The family urged President Tinubu to direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover Oyedokun’s remains.
According to them, the same determination that led to the successful rescue of the surviving victims should also be deployed to ensure the slain teacher receives a dignified burial.
“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.”
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The family argued that recovering Oyedokun’s body goes beyond fulfilling a personal request, insisting it would reinforce the value placed on every Nigerian life.
According to them, ensuring his remains are returned home would send a strong message that no citizen is forgotten, even after 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.”
They further appealed to the President to treat the request with urgency, expressing hope that recovering the body would finally allow the family to bury their loved one with honour and begin the difficult process of healing.
“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 family said.