- Oyo: Family of Beheaded Teacher Makes Demand From Tinubu
- They thanked security agencies for rescuing the surviving kidnapping victims.
- The family said recovering his body would bring closure and dignity.
The family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, one of the two teachers killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order the recovery of his remains.
The appeal was contained in an open letter jointly signed by members of the Oyedokun family and addressed to the President on Tuesday.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that while expressing gratitude for the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after nearly two months in captivity, the family said its grief remained unresolved because Oyedokun’s body had yet to be recovered.
The family commended President Tinubu and the country’s security agencies for securing the release of the surviving victims.
It specifically praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security and intelligence agencies involved in the rescue operation.
“We sincerely thank Your Excellency for the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and intelligence agencies whose dedication and sacrifice led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims in Oyo State.
“The safe return of these victims has restored hope to their families and reaffirmed our confidence in the Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and liberty of its citizens. For this, we are deeply grateful,” the letter read.
Despite the successful rescue operation, the family said it had been unable to find closure because the slain teacher’s remains were still missing.
According to the family, the inability to recover his body has prevented relatives from conducting the burial rites required by their faith and tradition.
“Our beloved relative, Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, tragically lost his life while in captivity. Although the rescue operation was successful, his remains have yet to be recovered and returned to us for a dignified burial in accordance with our faith, traditions, and values.
“The absence of his body has prolonged our grief and denied our family the closure that every human being deserves.
“We continue to live with the pain of not knowing where he rests, unable to perform the final rites that would honour his memory and bring peace to our hearts,” the family stated.
The family appealed to President Tinubu to direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover Oyedokun’s remains.
“Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal that you direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remains of Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun.
“We are confident that the same resolve which secured the freedom of the surviving victims can also ensure that his body is returned to his family,” the letter added.
According to the family, recovering the teacher’s remains would not only bring comfort to his loved ones but also demonstrate that every Nigerian life is valued.
“Recovering his remains is more than a humanitarian act; it is a solemn obligation that reflects the dignity of every Nigerian life.
“It would demonstrate that no citizen is forgotten, abandoned, or denied dignity, even in death,” the family said.
The family urged the President to treat the request with urgency and compassion, expressing hope that a proper burial would allow them to begin the healing process.
“We earnestly hope this appeal will receive your compassionate and urgent consideration, so that we may finally lay our beloved husband, father, brother, and son to rest with the honour and dignity he deserves, and begin the difficult journey toward healing,” the letter concluded.
