The family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, the teacher murdered during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has said the rescue of the remaining victims brings both relief and heartbreak.
Reacting to the release of the abducted pupils and teachers on Friday, Oyedokun’s niece, Oluwabukolami, who has served as the family’s spokesperson throughout the 56-day ordeal said her family, expressed joy that the abducted pupils and teachers have finally regained their freedom, but noted that the joy of the occasion remains incomplete because her uncle would never return.
In a post shared on Instagram, she congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families while lamenting that her uncle would never return home.
According to her, while many homes are celebrating the end of the 56-day captivity, her family is still mourning the loss of a loved one whose life was cut short during the incident.
She described Oyedokun’s death as a painful reminder that not every family affected by the abduction would have the opportunity to celebrate a reunion, adding that his memory would remain with them forever.
She wrote: “They are finally home.
“My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear and uncertainty. Welcome home.
“But as others celebrate, my family mourns.
“My uncle, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home. He was taken from us, and his life was brutally cut short. Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever.
“Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did.
“Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten.”
Oyedokun was among the victims of the May 15 attack when armed men raided three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.
The kidnappers later released a video showing the killing of the mathematics teacher while the remaining captives were held in the forest for 56 days.
The ordeal came to an end on Friday after security agencies rescued the surviving pupils and teachers in an intelligence-led operation. The Federal Government said no ransom was paid and no prisoner exchange took place during the rescue.
