The burial of Michael Oyedokun, the schoolteacher killed after being kidnapped in Oyo State on May 15, has begun in his hometown.

Oyedokun was among teachers seized from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, when gunmen attacked several schools across Oriire Local Government Area. The incident also involved Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso. Two others assistant headmaster Joel Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist were killed in the attack.

In response, the Oyo State Government closed schools in four local government areas while security agencies commenced rescue operations. A video later released by the captors showed Oyedokun bound and addressing the camera before his death.

Relatives described the late teacher as a quiet man who spent roughly 21 years in the classroom. They added that he had been married for over 10 years without children. The family has urged the public and media outlets to stop sharing graphic footage of his killing, saying the images have caused further distress to his children, who are currently sitting for WAEC examinations, and to his aged parents.

Authorities say six suspected informants connected to the school attacks are now in custody. During rescue efforts, security personnel  including soldiers, Amotekun operatives, and local vigilantes ran into Improvised Explosive Devices allegedly set by the attackers, leading to additional casualties.

The Defence Headquarters attributed the kidnappings to members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad faction, stating that the group had been pushed out of other areas by ongoing military operations.