The family of Michael Oyedokun, one of the two teachers k!lled during the abd¥ction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to recover his remains so he can be given a dignified burial.
The appeal was made in an open letter addressed to the President. Oyedokun was among the 44 pupils and teachers abd¥cted by suspected terrorists during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. He was later mu√dered by his captors, who reportedly recorded and circulated footage of his dec@pitation.
In the letter, the family said their grief remains unresolved because his body has not been recovered, preventing them from giving him a proper burial in line with their faith and traditions.
“We sincerely thank Your Excellency for the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and intelligence agencies whose dedication and sacrifice led to the successful rescue of the k!dnapped victims in Oyo State.
The safe return of these victims has restored hope to their families and reaffirmed our confidence in the Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and liberty of its citizens. For this, we are deeply grateful.
Our beloved relative, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, tragically lost his life while in captivity. Although the rescue operation was successful, his remains have yet to be recovered and returned to us for a dignified burial in accordance with our faith, traditions, and values.
The absence of his body has prolonged our grief and denied our family the closure that every human being deserves. We continue to live with the pain of not knowing where he rests, unable to perform the final rites that would honour his memory and bring peace to our hearts.
Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal that you direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remains of Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun.
We are confident that the same resolve which secured the freedom of the surviving victims can also ensure that his body is returned to his family.
Recovering his remains is more than a humanitarian act; it is a solemn obligation that reflects the dignity of every Nigerian life. It would demonstrate that no citizen is forgotten, abandoned, or denied dignity, even in de@th.”