Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, the teacher brutally murdered during the abduction of pupils and staff in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has spoken of their mixed emotions following the release of the remaining captives—describing the moment as one of both relief and profound heartbreak.
Speaking after the rescued victims were finally reunited with their families on Friday, the teacher’s niece, Oluwabukolami, who has acted as the family’s spokesperson throughout the 56-day ordeal, said that while she was overjoyed that the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom, the celebration remained deeply incomplete—because her uncle would never return.
Taking to Instagram, she congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, while lamenting that Oyedokun would not be among those walking through their front doors.
“For many homes, this is a day of celebration,” she wrote. “For my family, it is a painful reminder that not every family affected by this abduction will have the opportunity to celebrate a reunion.”
In an emotional post, she continued: “They are finally home. My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear and uncertainty. Welcome home.
“But as others celebrate, my family mourns. My uncle, Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home. He was taken from us, and his life was brutally cut short. Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever.
“Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did. Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten.”
The Mathematics teacher was among the victims of the 15 May attack, when armed men raided three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.
During the harrowing weeks that followed, the kidnappers released a video showing the killing of Oyedokun, while the remaining captives were held in the forest for 56 days.
The ordeal finally came to an end on Friday, when security agencies rescued the surviving pupils and teachers in what was described as an intelligence-led operation.
The Federal Government has confirmed that no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place during the rescue.
As the nation breathes a collective sigh of relief for those who have returned home, the Oyedokun family continues to grieve—a poignant reminder that for some, the end of captivity has brought not only joy, but an enduring sense of loss.
