Tragedy struck in Oyo State as one of the abducted teachers of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by terrorists holding him and others captive.
A disturbing video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday and obtained via Telegram on Monday showed the victim tied up and forced to speak before he was gruesomely killed.
The killing has heightened fears over the safety of the remaining victims still being held by the abductors.
Residents of the community, relatives of the victims and concerned indigenes have since been thrown into mourning, while calls intensified on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to step up rescue efforts before more lives are lost.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, said the governor had extended condolences to the family of the slain teacher and assured that the government was deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to rescue the remaining captives.
Olanrewaju disclosed that about six suspects linked to the abduction had already been arrested.
He also sympathised with the families of members of the military tactical team, Amotekun Corps operatives and local vigilantes who lost their lives during rescue operations.
According to him, the operatives died after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors.
He added that injured security personnel were responding positively to treatment, assuring that the government would bear the cost of their medical care.
The governor’s aide appealed to families of the victims, religious leaders and other concerned groups to remain patient, promising that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“So, 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, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he said.
Makinde further revealed that some progress had been recorded in the investigation.
“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.
“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists.
“Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he added.
The gunmen had stormed the school on Friday, May 15, abducting the principal, other teachers and several students.
The incident came weeks after a failed kidnap attempt along the Ibadan-Ijebu road, which reportedly claimed the life of a traveller, further raising concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Oyo State and across the country.
