By Our Reporter
A teacher abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Michael Oyedokun, has reportedly been killed by bandits holding him captive.
A disturbing video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday showed the victim tied up and forced to speak before he was killed. The footage, which surfaced on Telegram on Monday, has sparked outrage and renewed fears over the safety of the remaining abductees.
The incident has plunged the community into mourning, with residents and relatives of the victims urging security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity.
Confirming the development on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, said the governor sympathised with the family of the slain teacher and assured residents that the government was deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the release of the remaining victims.
Olanrewaju disclosed that six suspects linked to the abduction had been arrested, while three additional persons of interest were apprehended by another security outfit in the state.
He also expressed condolences to the families of security operatives, including soldiers, Amotekun Corps personnel and local vigilantes, who died during rescue operations after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices allegedly planted by the kidnappers.
According to him, injured operatives are responding to treatment, while the state government has pledged to cover their medical expenses.
“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. Unfortunately, we received a video this morning showing that one of the teachers, said to be the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he said.
He appealed to families of the abducted victims, religious leaders and members of the public to remain patient, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ freedom.
The attack occurred on Friday, May 15, when armed men stormed the school and abducted the principal, several teachers and students.
The incident came weeks after a failed kidnap attempt along the Ibadan-Ijebu Road that claimed the life of a traveller, further heightening concerns over worsening insecurity in Oyo State and other parts of the country.