The family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, one of the teachers who lost his life during the abduction of pupils and staff in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order security agencies to recover his remains so he can be given a proper burial.
The appeal was made in an open letter addressed to the President and jointly signed by members of the Oyedokun family on Tuesday.
While expressing gratitude for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, the family said its pain remained unresolved because Oyedokun’s body has not been recovered.
“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 letter read.
The family noted that although many families have been reunited with their loved ones following the rescue operation, theirs continues to live with the pain of an incomplete farewell.
“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 family said.
The family appealed to the President to direct the appropriate security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover Oyedokun’s remains.
“Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal that you direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remains of Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun.
“We are confident that the same resolve which secured the freedom of the surviving victims can also ensure that his body is returned to his family,” the letter added.
According to the family, bringing back Oyedokun’s remains would not only allow them to give him a proper burial but also help them begin the process of healing.
“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.
“We earnestly hope this appeal will receive your compassionate and urgent consideration, so that we may finally lay our beloved husband, father, brother, and son to rest with the honour and dignity he deserves, and begin the difficult journey toward healing.”
Oyedokun was among the teachers abducted alongside pupils during the attack on Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
The principal of Community High School, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, who was rescued after 57 days in captivity, had earlier disclosed that the kidnappers beheaded Oyedokun on the second day of their captivity. She also revealed that another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, was shot dead during the initial attack on the schools.
According to Alamu, the kidnappers killed the two teachers in an attempt to pressure the government into meeting their demands.
While Adegboye’s body was recovered and buried in Ogbomoso on May 22, Oyedokun’s remains have yet to be found despite the successful rescue of the surviving victims.