By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The family of Michael Oyedokun, one of the two teachers killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to recover his body for a befitting burial.
The family made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the President on Tuesday, July 14.
In the letter, the family expressed appreciation to Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies for rescuing the over 40 abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
The family, however, said it is still grieving because Oyedokun’s body had yet to be recovered tor a dignified burial.
“We sincerely thank Your Excellency for the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and intelligence agencies whose dedication and sacrifice led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims in Oyo State.
“The safe return of these victims has restored hope to their families and reaffirmed our confidence in the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and liberty of its citizens. For this, we are deeply grateful,” the letter read.
Oyedokun’s family, while acknowledging the successful rescue operation, noted that, unlike other families reunited with their loved ones, it was still mourning the loss of Oyedokun, whose remains have not been found.
The family said, “Our beloved relative, Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, tragically lost his life while in captivity. Although the rescue operation was successful, his remains have yet to be recovered and returned to us for a dignified burial in accordance with our faith, traditions, and values.
“The absence of his body has prolonged our grief and denied our family the closure that every human being deserves. We continue to live with the pain of not knowing where he rests, unable to perform the final rites that would honour his memory and bring peace to our hearts.”
The family appealed to Tinubu to direct security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the slain teacher’s remains.
“Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal that you direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remains of Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun.
“We are confident that the same resolve which secured the freedom of the surviving victims can also ensure that his body is returned to his family.”
The family added that recovering Oyedokun’s remains would restore dignity to his memory and allow them to begin the healing process.
“Recovering his remains is more than a humanitarian act; it is a solemn obligation that reflects the dignity of every Nigerian life. It would demonstrate that no citizen is forgotten, abandoned, or denied dignity, even in death.
“We earnestly hope this appeal will receive your compassionate and urgent consideration, so that we may finally lay our beloved husband, father, brother, and son to rest with the honour and dignity he deserves, and begin the difficult journey toward healing,” the letter added.
Recall that Mrs Rachael Alamu, the rescued Principal of Community High School, at Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire LGA, disclosed that Oyedokun was beheaded by the kidnappers on the second day of captivity, while another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, was shot dead during the attack.
According to Alamu, the kidnappers deliberately killed the two teachers to pressure the government into meeting their demands.
While Adegboye’s body was recovered and buried in Ogbomoso on May 22, Oyedokun’s remains have yet to be found despite the rescue of the remaining abducted schoolchildren and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
