A teacher who was among those abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has reportedly been murdered by his captors.
The victim, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly slaughtered in a disturbing video said to have been released by the kidnappers on Sunday.
The footage, which circulated on Telegram and was viewed by journalists on Monday, reportedly showed the teacher tied up and forced to introduce himself before he was killed.
The video was allegedly released by the bandits to force the security operatives closing in on them to retreat, as they warn that they will kill more if they fail to stop.
Residents of the affected community, relatives of the kidnapped victims, and concerned citizens have continued to urge security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the killing in a statement issued on Monday.
According to him, Governor Makinde expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased teacher and assured residents that the government would continue deploying both military and non-military strategies to rescue the remaining victims.
Olanrewaju also disclosed that security operatives had arrested about six persons linked to the abduction.
He further extended condolences to the families of security personnel, including soldiers, members of the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes who died during rescue operations.
The statement explained that the operatives reportedly lost their lives after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the kidnappers.
He added that injured officers were receiving treatment and responding well, while the government remained committed to covering their medical expenses.
The government also appealed to families of the abducted victims, religious groups, and members of the public to remain patient as efforts to secure the victims’ freedom continue.
“There may not be immediate solutions, but the government is committed to doing everything possible to resolve the situation quickly,” he said.
He confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the attack and revealed that the slain victim was believed to be a mathematics teacher.
Speaking further, Olanrewaju said preliminary investigations had led to several arrests.
According to him, police authorities confirmed that some suspects arrested within the community were believed to be informants or individuals assisting the kidnappers with logistics.
He also disclosed that another security outfit operating within the state had detained three additional persons considered important to the investigation.
The abduction reportedly occurred on Friday, May 15, when armed men stormed the school, kidnapping the principal, teachers, and some students.
The attack came weeks after an earlier attempted kidnapping along the Ibadan-Ijebu road, an incident that reportedly claimed the life of a traveller, further heightening concerns over growing insecurity in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
See the pathetic video of Oyedokun introducing himself shortly before he was killed here.
