IBADAN, Nigeria — Governor Seyi Makinde has officially named eight persons who lost their lives during the 56-day kidnapping ordeal involving pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Makinde made the emotional acknowledgment while reflecting on the successful conclusion of the ordeal that kept families and the entire state in suspense. Although the safe return of the abducted pupils and surviving teachers brought relief to many, the governor said the celebration remained incomplete because several lives were lost before the victims regained their freedom.
Among those honoured were three teachers whose lives were cut short at different stages of the incident. Makinde identified them as Joel Adeshiyan, who was reportedly killed during the initial attack on the school premises when the kidnappers invaded the community; John Olaleye, who died while being held captive by the abductors; and Michael Oyedokun, whose death drew nationwide attention after a disturbing video of his killing surfaced online.
The governor also honoured five members of the security team who lost their lives while participating in efforts to rescue the kidnapped victims. Those named include Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Adigun Suibu, Isa Saliu, Rafiu Ayuba, and another soldier who died while pursuing the kidnappers during the rescue operation. Lieutenant Isaac, a 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer, was buried with full military honours at the 23 Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10. Reports on the circumstances surrounding his death varied, with some accounts indicating his convoy struck explosives planted by terrorists within the Old Oyo National Park, while others claimed he stepped on landmines during the initial assault on the terrorists’ hideout.
The Senate also identified three security operatives who lost their lives: Lieutenant F.A. Isaac (N/20349) of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604) of the 81 Battalion, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force. Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) sustained injuries during the operation.
In a significant gesture of support, the Senate approved a N50 million donation to the families of the five victims, with N10 million to be presented to each family as a token of appreciation and solidarity. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the intervention during plenary, describing the deaths as a painful sacrifice in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
Makinde stressed that the sacrifices made by both the teachers and the security operatives should never be forgotten. He described them as symbols of courage, resilience and patriotism, noting that their actions contributed significantly to the eventual rescue of the abducted pupils and surviving staff members. The governor also announced that the state government would immediately tighten surveillance around all access routes linking communities to the Old Oyo National Park to prevent future attacks.
