One of the teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, identified as Michael Oyedokun, has reportedly been killed by his captors.
Oyedokun was allegedly beheaded in a video said to have been released by the kidnappers on Sunday.
The video, obtained by journalists on Monday, reportedly showed the teacher tied up and forced to speak before he was killed.
The incident has sparked renewed fears over the safety of the remaining victims still being held captive.
The development has thrown the community into mourning, with residents, families of the abducted victims, and community leaders calling on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, said the governor sympathised with the family of the deceased teacher and assured that the government would continue employing both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the release of the remaining victims.
He disclosed that about six suspects linked to the abduction had been arrested.
Olanrewaju also sympathised with the families of soldiers, Amotekun operatives, and local vigilantes who lost their lives during the rescue operation.
According to him, the security 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 provide necessary support for their recovery.
Appealing for patience, he urged the victims’ relatives, religious groups, and concerned individuals to remain calm, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to reunite the abducted victims with their families.
“What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted in total. Unfortunately, we received a video this morning showing that one of the teachers, said to be the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he said.
He further stated that security agencies had recorded some progress in the operation, with several suspects already arrested in connection with the incident.
“From the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.
“Some of them are believed to be informants or logistics suppliers for the terrorists.
“Also, three persons of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he added.
The gunmen reportedly invaded the school on Friday, May 15, abducting the principal, other teachers, and several students.
The attack has renewed concerns over growing insecurity in parts of Oyo State and across the country.
Watch video here: https://x.com/chukserice/status/2056301172349165678?s=46
