Widow's Heartbreaking Plea
The wife of John Olaleye, one of two teachers killed by terrorists after the abduction of pupils, students, and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to the Federal Government and Governor Seyi Makinde to help recover his remains for a dignified burial.
The deceased's wife, along with his elder brother, made the appeal days after the rescue of 39 pupils and five surviving teachers who spent 56 days in captivity. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorists in captivity. It was after the rescue that authorities confirmed Olaleye was also killed, bringing the number of teachers murdered in captivity to two.
Joy Turned to Grief
In a video sighted online, Olaleye's widow is seen dancing and praising God when she was informed about the rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils, unaware her husband had been killed. In a subsequent video posted online, Olaleye's widow appealed to the government to recover her husband's body and assist the family.
“I was heartbroken when I heard that my husband was not among those released,” she said. “My plea to the government is that they should please, in the name of God, release my husband’s corpse to me.”
She also appealed for educational support for their three children and assistance to help her cater for the family. “He left three children behind. My appeal is that they should support us concerning these children, especially with their education. As for me, I am the one solely responsible for taking care of everything in the house. I am begging the government to have mercy on us and help us in whatever way they can.”
Family Learns of Death Through Broadcast
In a separate video, the deceased’s elder brother said the family only learned of his death through the state government’s broadcast announcing the rescue operation. “I am John Olaleye Olayinka’s brother, one of the teachers killed during the Oriire abduction. We never knew he was killed until we listened to the broadcast (by the governor),” he said.
He pleaded with the authorities to recover the body, even if only skeletal remains could be found. “We are appealing to the government… if they can release his remains, even if it is just his bones, so we can see them, for the sake of the children’s future,” he said.
He also appealed for support for the teacher’s widow and three children. “His wife, if they can help us secure a job for her, it would be highly appreciated. He left three children behind. If they can help provide them with an education scholarship, we will be grateful,” he added.
