Outrage in Oyo as Kidnapped Teacher Is Beheaded, Six Suspects Arrested

Tragedy has struck Oyo State following the killing of a kidnapped teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was abducted alongside other staff and students of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.

A disturbing video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday showed the mathematics teacher tied up and forced to speak before he was gruesomely killed. The footage, which circulated on Telegram, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed fears over the safety of the remaining victims still in captivity.

The attack occurred in Oriire Local Government Area after armed men reportedly stormed the school on Friday, May 15, abducting the principal, several teachers, and students.

Confirming the incident on Monday, Seyi Makinde, through his Special Adviser on Media, Suleimon Olanrewaju, expressed condolences to the family of the slain teacher and assured residents that the state government was intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.

According to the statement, the government is adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in collaboration with security agencies to secure the release of those still held hostage.

The government 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. Authorities believe some of the suspects may have acted as informants or logistics providers for the abductors.

Olanrewaju further revealed that members of a joint rescue team comprising soldiers, operatives of the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes lost their lives during the operation after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the kidnappers.

He noted that injured security personnel are currently receiving treatment and responding positively, adding that the government would continue to support them.

The latest incident has plunged the affected community into mourning, with residents, families, and concerned Nigerians calling for urgent action to curb the growing wave of insecurity in the state and across the country.

The school attack comes just weeks after a failed kidnap attempt along the Ibadan-Ijebu road that reportedly left a traveler dead, further deepening concerns over escalating insecurity in parts of southwestern Nigeria.