Fresh tragedy rocks Oyo community as viral video sparks outrage and fear over fate of remaining hostages
A wave of shock and grief has swept across Oyo State after Mr. Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area, was reportedly beheaded by suspected bandits.
The horrifying development emerged after a disturbing video allegedly released by the kidnappers surfaced online, showing the victim tied up before he was gruesomely killed. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the worsening insecurity ravaging schools and rural communities across the country.
The late Oyedokun was among several teachers and students abducted when armed men stormed the school on May 15, 2026. During the attack, the gunmen reportedly whisked away the school principal, teachers, and students before escaping through nearby forest routes. One teacher was also said to have sustained gunshot injuries during the invasion.
Residents of Ahoro-Esinele have since been thrown into mourning, with families of the victims pleading with security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue operations before more lives are lost. The tragic killing has also reignited debates over the security of schools in Nigeria and the increasing boldness of criminal gangs operating in the South-West.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the killing and assured residents that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies were being deployed to rescue those still in captivity. Reports also indicate that suspected informants linked to the attackers have been arrested as investigations continue.