Two teachers abducted alongside pupils in the Oriire area of Oyo state have been confirmed dead, killed by their captors. Mrs. Folake Alamu, principal of Community High School in the Ahoro-Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area, disclosed on Monday, July 13, 2026, that both John Olaleye and mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun lost their lives while in custody.
Principal Confirms Deaths
Alamu spoke to the press in Ibadan after she, along with teachers and students, was rescued from a 56-day captivity by terrorists in Oyo state. According to Alamu, Olaleye was killed on the first Sunday of June 2026. The death of Oyedokun had been confirmed earlier, making him the first of the two staff members of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission to be killed.
The principal stated that the kidnappers killed the two male tutors purposely to pressure the government into meeting their demands, as reported by Channels TV.
Background of Abduction
The infamous abduction had drawn significant national and international attention, with security agencies actively engaged in efforts to secure the release of those held. The kidnappers claimed the teachers were executed to mount pressure on Nigerian state actors to yield to their demands.
Governor Makinde Calls for UN Probe
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA. Makinde said the incident raises questions that require independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria's domestic institutions.
He made the call on Monday evening, July 13, in a statewide broadcast hours after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the state government following their release after spending 56 days in captivity. The governor said while the victims had regained their freedom, the circumstances surrounding the incident were “sufficiently grave and unusual” to warrant an independent review.
Presidency Rejects International Inquiry
Earlier, the presidency faulted Governor Makinde over his call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA, insisting that Nigeria’s security agencies have already provided a comprehensive account of the operation and that there is no basis for an international inquiry.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the governor’s demand as unnecessary and politically driven, maintaining that the federal government has absolute confidence in the country’s security institutions and their handling of the rescue mission.
