By Gloria Drealomalicha
The family of Michael Olugbade 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 remains so he can be given a dignified burial.
The appeal was made in an open letter jointly signed by members of the Oyedokun family and addressed to the President.
While expressing gratitude for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after nearly two months in captivity, the family said their joy remained incomplete because Oyedokun’s body had not been recovered.
In the letter, the family thanked the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for securing the release of the victims.
“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 family said.
Despite celebrating the rescue of the surviving victims, the family said it continues to live with the pain of losing their loved one, whose remains have yet to be found.
They described the inability to recover his body as an emotional burden that has denied them the opportunity to give him a proper burial in line with their faith and traditions.
“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 letter read.
The family appealed to President Tinubu to instruct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover Oyedokun’s remains.
They expressed confidence that the same determination which led to the successful rescue of the surviving victims could also help bring their loved one home.
“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,” the family added.
They urged the President to give the appeal urgent and compassionate attention, saying it would allow them to lay their husband, father, brother and son to rest with the honour he deserved and begin the difficult process of healing.
The appeal follows earlier accounts by Mrs Rachael Alamu, the rescued principal of Community High School, who disclosed that Oyedokun was allegedly beheaded by the kidnappers on the second day of their captivity. She also revealed that another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, was shot dead during the attack.
According to Alamu, the abductors killed the two teachers in a bid to pressure the government into meeting their demands.
While Adegboye’s body was recovered and buried in Ogbomoso on 22 May, Oyedokun’s remains are yet to be found, despite the rescue of the remaining pupils and teachers after spending 57 days in captivity.
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