The family of Michael Oyedokun, one of the two teachers killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to recover his remains for a befitting burial.
Family's Open Letter to President Tinubu
The family made the appeal in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu. Oyedokun was among the 44 persons abducted by suspected terrorists during a coordinated attack on three schools in the Oriire local government area on May 15. He was subsequently murdered by the assailants, who filmed the moment they decapitated him.
Unresolved Grief Over Missing Body
In the letter, the family said its grief remained unresolved because Oyedokun's body is yet to be recovered for a befitting burial. The family expressed gratitude for the government's rescue efforts but stressed the need for closure.
“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.
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.
Appeal for Intensified Search
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. 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.”
The abduction, which occurred on May 15, involved a coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, leading to the kidnapping of 44 individuals. While most victims were rescued, Oyedokun and another teacher were killed in captivity. The family's plea underscores the ongoing trauma and the need for closure.
