The grieving family of Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher beheaded by terrorists after being abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to the government to recover his body for a befitting burial.
Oyedokun was abducted alongside several pupils and other teachers from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and two other schools on May 15, 2026.
The family made appeal following the release of the remaining 44 abducted pupils and teachers on Friday, July 10.
When speaking to the news men, the spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Oluwabukolami on Saturday, said their grief remained unresolved because Oyedokun’s remains were yet to be recovered.
“We are grateful to the government and security agencies for the safe return of the children and other teachers.
“Every family reunited with their loved ones is a reminder that hope still exists. But our family remains in mourning,” she said.
The family stated that despite the successful rescue operation, they were still waiting for the opportunity to recover Oyedokun’s body and give him a dignified burial.
“Fifty-eight days after Michael Olugbade Oyedokun was taken from us, we are still waiting… not for a miracle, but for the opportunity to lay him to rest.
“Every day without his body is another day his wife cannot say final goodbye. Another day, his children have no grave to visit. Another day, our family is denied the dignity and closure that every human being deserves.
“We respectfully appeal to the authorities: please, bring Michael’s body home.
“Help us recover his body so that we can give him the honourable and befitting burial he deserves.
“Our grief cannot begin to heal until we can bring him home.
“Please, don’t let our final goodbye remain unfinished.
“Bring Michael home,” the family said.
The family had expressed mixed emotions following the rescue of the remaining abducted pupils and the other teachers.
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final fixtures, date and time confirmed
The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final fixtures has been confirmed following Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland and England’s 2-1 win against Norway. The results set up two heavyweight semi-final clashes, with France facing Spain, and England taking on Argentina. England and Argentina will renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries after both sides advanced from the quarter-finals. The fixtures are: Tuesday, July 14; France vs Spain; Time: 20:00 and Venue: Dallas Stadium, Dallas Wednesday, July 15; England vs Argentina; Time: 20:00 and Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta while the remaining fixtures are: Saturday, July 18 Third-place play-off Losers of Semi-final 1 vs Losers of Semi-final 2 Time: 22:00; Venue: Miami Stadium, Miami Sunday, July 19 And the final match is between the winners of Semi-final 1 vs Winners of Semi-final 2. Time: 20:00. Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
2027 Election: INEC extends deadline for submission of candidates’ list by political parties
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, by political parties. The INEC decision is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna. According to INEC, the deadline for submission in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections being Saturday, July 11, 2026 has been extended to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The commission said that the decision to extend was based on appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline. “The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, […]
Grieving family begs FG to recover slain Oyo teacher’s body for burial
The grieving family of Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher beheaded by terrorists after being abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to the government to recover his body for a befitting burial. Oyedokun was abducted alongside several pupils and other teachers from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and two other schools on May 15, 2026. The family made appeal following the release of the remaining 44 abducted pupils and teachers on Friday, July 10. When speaking to the news men, the spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Oluwabukolami on Saturday, said their grief remained unresolved because Oyedokun’s remains were yet to be recovered. “We are grateful to the government and security agencies for the safe return of the children and other teachers. “Every family reunited with their loved ones is a reminder that hope still exists. But […]
My uncle will never come home, his life was brutally cut short – Slain Oyo teacher’s family member
The family of Michael Oyedokun, the schoolteacher who was killed by kidnappers while in captivity, has expressed mixed emotions following the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oyo State. Oyedokun was among the teachers abducted by gunmen from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area before he was later murdered in captivity. The remaining 44 victims were freed on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated rescue operation involving the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force. Reacting to the development, Oluwabukolami, who identified Oyedokun as her uncle, said while the family was grateful that the children and other captives had returned safely, their own pain remained because their loved one would never return again as he had been brutally murdered in […]
Residents count losses as rain floods Lagos communities
Persistent rainfall in Lagos yesterday disrupted commercial activities and slowed movement across the state as traders, commuters and motorists grappled with the effects of the prolonged downpour. The rain, which began around 5:25 a.m. and persisted until about 4:20 p.m., left several roads and walkways flooded. Pedestrians were compelled to seek shelter in available places with covers while motorists navigated waterlogged sections with caution. Business activities in major commercial areas were significantly affected as many traders recorded low patronage, with customers staying away because of the weather. Some street traders struggled to protect their wares from the rain, while others suspended business temporarily as floodwater encroached on their trading spaces. Commuters travelling to work and other destinations also experienced delays, with many stranded at bus stops waiting for the rain to subside before continuing their journeys. However, commercial motorcycle […]
Troops arrest Chadian woman ferrying drugs, alcohol to terrorists in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a suspected foreign supplier of illicit drugs and other prohibited items believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad region. The suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in the Chari-Baguirmi Province of the Republic of Chad, was intercepted along the Maiduguri-Monguno Road in Borno State. The Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement yesterday, saying the suspect was arrested on Thursday, July 9, following credible intelligence. According to Goni, the suspect was travelling in a suspicious vehicle towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno state when troops intercepted and searched the vehicle. He said the items recovered included seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre […]
Related
2027 Election: INEC extends deadline for submission of candidates’ list by political parties
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, by political parties. The INEC decision is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna. According to INEC, the deadline for submission in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections being Saturday, July 11, 2026 has been extended to midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The commission said that the decision to extend was based on appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline. “The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, […]
My uncle will never come home, his life was brutally cut short – Slain Oyo teacher’s family member
The family of Michael Oyedokun, the schoolteacher who was killed by kidnappers while in captivity, has expressed mixed emotions following the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oyo State. Oyedokun was among the teachers abducted by gunmen from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area before he was later murdered in captivity. The remaining 44 victims were freed on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated rescue operation involving the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force. Reacting to the development, Oluwabukolami, who identified Oyedokun as her uncle, said while the family was grateful that the children and other captives had returned safely, their own pain remained because their loved one would never return again as he had been brutally murdered in […]
Residents count losses as rain floods Lagos communities
Persistent rainfall in Lagos yesterday disrupted commercial activities and slowed movement across the state as traders, commuters and motorists grappled with the effects of the prolonged downpour. The rain, which began around 5:25 a.m. and persisted until about 4:20 p.m., left several roads and walkways flooded. Pedestrians were compelled to seek shelter in available places with covers while motorists navigated waterlogged sections with caution. Business activities in major commercial areas were significantly affected as many traders recorded low patronage, with customers staying away because of the weather. Some street traders struggled to protect their wares from the rain, while others suspended business temporarily as floodwater encroached on their trading spaces. Commuters travelling to work and other destinations also experienced delays, with many stranded at bus stops waiting for the rain to subside before continuing their journeys. However, commercial motorcycle […]
Troops arrest Chadian woman ferrying drugs, alcohol to terrorists in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a suspected foreign supplier of illicit drugs and other prohibited items believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad region. The suspect, identified as Mrs. Rachael Samuel, 48, a Chadian national from Kelo in the Chari-Baguirmi Province of the Republic of Chad, was intercepted along the Maiduguri-Monguno Road in Borno State. The Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement yesterday, saying the suspect was arrested on Thursday, July 9, following credible intelligence. According to Goni, the suspect was travelling in a suspicious vehicle towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno state when troops intercepted and searched the vehicle. He said the items recovered included seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre […]
How Oyo schoolchildren, teachers were rescued after 56 days in captivity
More facts have emerged on the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that eight of the kidnappers have been arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services, while some others were killed during the operation. Onanuga made the disclosure in an update on his verified X handle on Friday after he announced the victims’ release. He said no concession was made to the terrorists to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers. Onanuga explained that the kidnappers kingpin was neither freed nor spared, as he remains under prosecution for offences linked to his terrorism activities. “In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now […]
Former Catholic Bishops’ Conference President Akubeze dies at 69
The Catholic Archbishop of Benin City and former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze is dead. Akubeze died on Thursday while on vacation abroad at the age of 69. He would have turned 70 on August 25 which would have also signalled his retirement in line with the Catholic Church’s doctrine. Born on August 25, 1956, Archbishop Akubeze was ordained a Catholic priest before being appointed Bishop of Uromi. A statement by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, titled “Notification of Death” officially announced the death of Akubeze “with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection.” The statement said he was ordained as a Catholic priest on October 3, 1987, appointed Bishop of Uromi on December 14, 2005 and consecrated on […]
Be the first to leave a comment