The family of Michael Oyedokun, the Oyo State schoolteacher abducted and later killed by terrorists, has written to President Bola Tinubu demanding urgent action to recover his remains and secure justice for those still held captive. The appeal comes after a video surfaced showing the teacher had been beheaded, deepening grief in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, where he taught for more than two decades.

Oyedokun was among several teachers and pupils seized during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire LGA last Friday. Gunmen stormed Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, as well as other institutions in the area, killing an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcyclist. Three worshippers were also killed in a separate night vigil attack in the state days later, while 15 others were abducted. The teacher’s family said he died childless after more than 10 years of marriage, describing his death as an irreplaceable loss to relatives, students, and the wider community.

Speaking through family representative Ebeni Adediran, relatives described Oyedokun as a peaceful, humble man who dedicated his life to educating children in rural communities despite growing insecurity. His aged parents remain in deep mourning. The family said circulating graphic footage of the killing has worsened their trauma and appealed to the public to stop sharing the video out of respect for the deceased and his loved ones.

Security agencies say rescue operations are underway. The Kwara and Oyo State Police Commands, working with the Army, Amotekun, NSCDC, and local vigilantes, have deployed tactical units, intelligence teams, and drone surveillance to comb forests around the area. The Defence Headquarters said the abduction was carried out by JAS terrorists displaced from other regions following military operations. At least six suspects believed to be informants have been arrested and are assisting investigators at the State CID in Ibadan. Police confirmed that improvised explosive devices were encountered during the operation, resulting in casualties among security personnel.

Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed condolences to the Oyedokun family and pledged that the state would continue using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to free the remaining captives. The family, however, is asking the Federal Government to intervene directly. In their letter to President Tinubu, they demanded the recovery of Oyedokun’s body for burial, accelerated efforts to rescue other victims, and decisive action against the perpetrators. Community and religious leaders have echoed the call, warning that schools and worship centres can no longer be treated as safe spaces unless security is urgently strengthened.