PHOTOS: Recover slain Oyo teacher’s body for befitting burial, family begs FG

The family of Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to recover his body to enable them give him a befitting burial.

The appeal comes after the remaining abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation.

In a fresh statement shared on Instagram on Saturday by Oluwabukolami, who has been the family’s spokesperson, expressed gratitude over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers but said their grief remained unresolved because Oyedokun’s body had yet to be recovered 58 days after he was killed.

“We are grateful to the government and security agencies for the safe return of the children and teachers. Every family reunited with their loved one is a reminder that hope still exists.

“But our family remains in mourning,” the statement partly read.

The slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was a victim of the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State…Photo Credit: its_boukeey

The family said despite the successful rescue operation, they were still waiting for the opportunity to recover Oyedokun’s remains and give him a dignified burial.

“Fifty-eight days after Michael Olugbade Oyedokun was taken from us, we are still waiting… not for a miracle, but for the opportunity to lay him to rest,” the family said.

According to the family, the inability to recover his body has prolonged the pain and denied his wife, children and relatives the closure they desperately need.

“Every day without his body is another day his wife cannot say goodbye. Another day, his children have no grave to visit. Another day, our family is denied the dignity and closure that every human being deserves,” the statement read.

The slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was a victim of the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State…Photo Credit: its_boukeey

The family appealed directly to the authorities to intensify efforts to recover the slain teacher’s body.

“We respectfully appeal to the authorities: please bring Michael’s body home.

“Help us recover his body so we can give him the honourable and befitting burial he deserves. Our grief cannot begin to heal until we can bring him home.

“Please don’t let our final goodbye remain unfinished.

“Bring Michael home,” the family said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the family expressed mixed emotions following the rescue of the remaining abducted pupils and teachers, saying while other families were celebrating the return of their loved ones, theirs would never experience such joy.

Reacting after the victims regained their freedom on Friday, Oluwabukolami, who identified herself as Oyedokun’s niece and has served as the family’s spokesperson since the incident, congratulated the rescued victims and their families but lamented that her uncle would never return home.

“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.”

She, however, noted that the joy of other families could not erase her family’s loss.

“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.”

She concluded by paying tribute to the late teacher.

“Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did.

“Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten.”

PUNCH Online reported that the Presidency confirmed the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after 57 days in captivity, with eight suspected kidnappers arrested and several others neutralised during the operation.

The attack occurred on May 15 when gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting scores of pupils and teachers.

During the attack, Oyedokun and another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, were killed. While Adegboye was buried on May 22 in Ogbomoso after his body was recovered, Oyedokun’s body has yet to be found. This has left his family unable to perform his burial rites, despite the rescue of the remaining victims.