RismadarVoice Reporters, May 18, 2026
The kidnapping crisis involving staff of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State took a tragic turn after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by his captors.
The teacher was allegedly beheaded in a disturbing video released by the abductors and circulated online on Sunday. The footage, which has sparked outrage and grief, reportedly showed the victim restrained and compelled to speak before he was killed.
The incident has heightened fears over the fate of other victims still being held captive and intensified calls for urgent action from security agencies and the Oyo State Government.
Confirming the development, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and assured residents that the government was deploying both military and non-military strategies to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
He disclosed that security operations had already recorded some progress, revealing that six suspects linked to the incident had been arrested within the community, while three other persons of interest were apprehended by another security outfit in the state.
Olanrewaju also sympathised with the families of security personnel, including soldiers, Amotekun operatives and local vigilantes, who lost their lives during rescue attempts after reportedly encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers.
According to him, injured operatives are receiving treatment and the government remains committed to providing the required support for them.
He appealed to families of the victims, religious organisations and residents to remain patient, assuring them that authorities were working to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
The attack occurred on Friday when gunmen invaded the school and abducted the principal alongside teachers and students, raising fresh concerns over growing insecurity in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
