The niece of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, the teacher who was killed while in captivity during the Oyo school abduction, has reacted to the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, saying “he’s never coming home.”
Expressing mixed emotions after the victims regained their freedom following 56 days in captivity, Oluwabukolami said her heart rejoices with every family reunited with their loved ones, but her family’s pain remains because her uncle did not survive the ordeal.
“They are finally home. My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear and uncertainty. Welcome home,” she wrote.
“But as others celebrate, my family mourns.
“My uncle, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home.
“He was taken from us, and his life was brutally cut short. Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever.
“Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did. Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten.”
Oyedokun was among those abducted when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15. While the pupils and other teachers were eventually rescued after 56 days in captivity, the late teacher lost his life during the incident.
The successful rescue has been welcomed by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and many Nigerians, but for Oyedokun’s family, the celebrations remain overshadowed by the painful reality that their loved one never made it back home.
