The family of Michael Oyedokun, a Nigerian teacher abducted during a deadly raid on schools in Oyo State and later killed by armed assailants, has expressed profound grief over his tragic death, describing it as a devastating and irreplaceable loss. They also lamented that he died without leaving any child after more than ten years of marriage.
Oyedokun was among several teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on educational institutions in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has further intensified concerns about insecurity in parts of southwestern Nigeria.
The attackers reportedly stormed Community High School, Ahoro Esiele, on a Friday, seizing the teacher and several of his colleagues during the violent raid. Other affected institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, highlighting the widespread nature of the coordinated assaults.
During the attacks, an assistant headmaster identified as Joel Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist were also killed, further deepening the tragedy that has sparked outrage across the state and renewed calls for urgent security intervention.
Following the incident, the government of Oyo State ordered the immediate closure of schools across four local government areas as security agencies intensified search and rescue operations aimed at locating abducted victims and restoring calm in affected communities.
Shortly after the attack, a disturbing video reportedly surfaced online showing the abducted teacher under duress before he was killed. The circulation of the footage has since drawn widespread condemnation and renewed debate about the dangers of sharing violent content on social media platforms.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family during a visit by journalists, family representative Ebeni Adediran described the late teacher as a humble, disciplined and peace-loving individual who dedicated more than two decades of his life to the teaching profession.
According to the family, Oyedokun was widely respected within his community for his humility and commitment to education. He attended primary and secondary school in Ogbomoso before furthering his studies and eventually becoming a professional teacher.
He reportedly served in several schools over a career spanning about 21 years, including postings in Oke Ogun before being transferred closer to his hometown. The family noted that since his return, he maintained close contact with relatives and frequently visited his parents, reflecting his strong family values and community ties.
Adediran explained that the loss has created a deep emotional vacuum within the family, emphasizing that his personality and role made him an important pillar in the household and his absence is extremely painful.
The family further revealed one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the tragedy, stating that the deceased had been married for more than a decade without having any children. This situation, they said, has added to the emotional burden on his wife and relatives.
According to them, efforts were made over the years to have children, but the couple remained childless until his untimely death, a reality that has deepened the sorrow surrounding the tragedy.
In their statement, the family also appealed to Nigerians and social media users to stop circulating graphic videos and images of the killing, saying repeated exposure to such content has worsened their emotional trauma.
They emphasized that while they appreciate public sympathy and support, the continued sharing of disturbing visuals has caused renewed pain for close relatives, including parents, siblings, nieces and nephews.
“We are grateful for the concern shown to our family during this difficult time,” the statement said. “However, the circulation of these disturbing videos continues to reopen wounds and intensify our grief. We appeal for respect for the dignity of the deceased.”
The incident has once again highlighted growing insecurity challenges affecting rural communities and educational institutions in Nigeria. Stakeholders have called for stronger protection of schools, especially in vulnerable areas.
Security experts have also emphasized the need for improved intelligence gathering, rapid response systems, and better coordination among security agencies to prevent similar attacks in the future.
As investigations continue, residents of affected communities remain in fear, with many urging government authorities to implement long term solutions to insecurity that has disrupted education and daily life.
The killing of Oyedokun has become another painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity, particularly among educators serving in rural communities.
Authorities in Nigeria have yet to provide further updates on rescue operations or arrests linked to the attacks, though assurances have been given that efforts are ongoing to bring perpetrators to justice.
