Tragedy has struck Oyo State following the gruesome murder of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in the Oriire Local Government Area.
In a harrowing video circulated on social media, bandits were seen beheading Oyedokun after forcing him to speak while bound.
The emergence of the viral clip has plunged the local community into deep mourning and sparked intense anxiety over the safety of the remaining hostages, who were captured during a brazen raid on the school on Friday, May 15.
Confirming the execution, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, issued a statement on Monday expressing the governor’s profound condolences to the bereaved family.
Governor Makinde revealed that a total of seven teachers, along with the school principal and several students, were taken during the assault.
He assured the public that the state government is actively deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the immediate release of the surviving captives.
The rescue efforts have already exacted a heavy toll on security forces. A joint tactical team comprising soldiers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes suffered casualties after running into Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the terrorists.
While sympathizing with the families of the fallen heroes, the government confirmed that wounded personnel are currently responding to treatment, with the state pledging to cover all medical expenses.
Despite the setbacks, authorities have made breakthroughs in their investigation, arresting approximately six suspects within the locality who are believed to be informants or logistics providers for the terrorists.
Three additional individuals of interest have also been detained by state security outfits. This latest school invasion, coming just weeks after a fatal ambush on the Ibadan-Ijebu road, has renewed nationwide alarm over the escalating wave of insecurity plaguing Oyo State and the country at large.
