By: Abiodun Awujoola
One of the teachers abducted during the attack on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, has reportedly been killed by his abductors.
A viral video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday showed the teacher tied up and forced to speak before he was killed, raising fresh concerns over the safety of other victims still in captivity.
The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with residents and families of the abducted victims calling on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue efforts.
Confirming the development on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, said the governor had expressed condolences to the victim’s family and assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue those still in captivity. According to him, the government is combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in its rescue operations.
He also disclosed that about six suspects linked to the kidnapping had been arrested, while three other persons of interest were apprehended by another security outfit in the state. Olanrewaju further sympathised with the families of security operatives, including soldiers, Amotekun personnel and local vigilantes, who lost their lives during the rescue operation.
According to him, the operatives died after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices allegedly planted by the abductors. He added that injured security personnel were responding positively to treatment and assured that the government would cater for their welfare.“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. Unfortunately, we got a video this morning showing that one of the teachers, a mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he said.
The gunmen had invaded the school on Friday, abducting the principal, other teachers and several students.The attack has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Oyo State and across the country.
