May 18, (THEWILL) — A fresh wave of grief has swept through Oyo State following the killing of one of the abducted teachers of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area, identified as Michael Oyedokun, who was allegedly beheaded by his captors.
THEWILL reports that the gruesome killing was revealed in a disturbing video allegedly released by the abductors on Sunday, and circulated on Telegram on Monday. In the video, the victim was seen tied up and forced to speak before he was murdered, sparking outrage and renewed fears over the safety of the remaining abductees.
The tragic development has thrown the Ahoro-Esinle community into mourning, with residents, families of the victims and concerned indigenes intensifying calls on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to scale up rescue efforts aimed at securing the freedom of those still held captive.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, said the governor had extended condolences to the family of the slain teacher and reassured the public that the state government was deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to rescue the remaining victims.
Olanrewaju disclosed that security operations linked to the incident had already yielded some results, with about six suspects arrested in connection with the abduction.
According to him, the suspects are believed to be informants and logistics suppliers working with the kidnappers.
“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists. Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state”, he stated.
The governor’s aide further sympathised with the families of members of the tactical military team, Amotekun Corps operatives and local vigilantes who lost their lives during rescue operations. He explained that the security operatives died after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors during attempts to rescue the victims.
Olanrewaju, however, noted that security personnel injured during the operation were responding positively to treatment, assuring that the government would spare no resources in ensuring their full recovery.
He appealed to the families of the abducted victims, religious organisations and other stakeholders to remain patient, insisting that the government remained committed to rescuing those still in captivity.
“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly. What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists”, he added.
THEWILL recalls that armed men invaded the school on Friday, May 15, abducting the principal, several teachers and students during the attack.
The incident occurred barely weeks after a failed kidnap attempt along the Ibadan-Ijebu road, which reportedly claimed the life of a traveller, further heightening concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Oyo State and across the country.
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