One of the kidnapped teachers of Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Michael Oyedokun, has been beheaded by his captors, the state government has confirmed.
A video allegedly released by bandits on Sunday showed the teacher being gruesomely killed after being tied and forced to speak. The viral video has raised fresh concerns over the safety of the remaining victims.
Confirming the killing, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, said in a statement on Monday that the governor extended his condolences to the victim’s family and assured that the government would explore both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to rescue others still in captivity.
The governor also disclosed that about six suspects related to the kidnapping incident have been arrested, including informants or people running logistics for the terrorists. Three individuals of interest have also been arrested by another security outfit within the state.
Makinde further revealed that operatives, including soldiers, Amotekun Corps members, and local vigilantes, lost their lives in the rescue operation when they ran into improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors. Wounded security personnel are responding positively to treatment.
The governor appealed to the victims’ relatives and religious bodies to exercise patience, promising that the government will rescue and reunite the victims with their families.
“Please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly. What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers was killed,” he said.
Gunmen had invaded the school on May 15 and abducted the principal, along with other teachers and several students. The attack has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Oyo State.
