Kidnapped Oyo Teacher Beheaded as Community Demands Faster Rescue Efforts

Fear and grief have deepened in Oyo State following the killing of a kidnapped teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was abducted during the recent terrorist attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

Oyedokun, a teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, was reportedly beheaded by suspected bandits in a disturbing video circulated online on Sunday.

The video, which surfaced on Telegram and other social media platforms, allegedly showed the victim tied up and forced to speak before he was killed.

The development has heightened fears over the safety of other victims still being held captive by the abductors and triggered renewed calls for intensified rescue operations by security agencies.

Residents of the affected communities, relatives of abducted victims and local leaders have appealed to the Oyo State Government and security authorities to urgently secure the release of those remaining in captivity.

The killing comes days after armed attackers invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinele community, killing and abducting teachers and pupils before escaping into forest areas around the Old Oyo National Park axis.

The attack shocked residents and renewed concerns about the growing spread of terrorism and kidnapping activities into parts of South-West Nigeria.

Confirming the teacher’s death, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Suleimon Olanrewaju, said the governor had expressed condolences to the victim’s family.

According to the statement, the state government remains committed to using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to rescue the remaining abducted victims.

The government also disclosed that security operatives had arrested about six suspects in connection with the attack and ongoing investigations.

Authorities believe some of those arrested may have acted as informants or provided logistical support to the kidnappers.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Amotekun Corps, have continued search-and-rescue operations in forested areas believed to be used by the attackers.

Officials previously stated that the kidnappers had been trapped within parts of the Old Oyo National Park after security forces blocked major escape routes leading to neighbouring states.

The killing of the teacher has further intensified anxiety within local communities already traumatised by repeated reports of abductions and attacks in rural areas.

Residents say schools and farming communities around forest corridors remain increasingly vulnerable due to inadequate security presence and difficult terrain.

Security experts warn that armed groups displaced from conflict zones in northern Nigeria are gradually extending operations into parts of the South-West, taking advantage of porous forests and limited surveillance.

The incident has also renewed concerns over the use of violent propaganda videos by kidnappers and terrorist groups to instil fear and pressure authorities during negotiations.

Community leaders and parents are now demanding stronger protection for schools and rural settlements to prevent further attacks.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has assured residents that daily updates would continue to be provided on rescue operations and security measures aimed at securing the release of the remaining victims.