By Bolarinwa Ayoola 

Disaster struck at Esinle and Yawota in May 2026 when armed Islamists attacked schools and abducted 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers. Three other individuals were killed during the unfortunate incident.

The victims would go on to spend fifty-seven days in captivity. Tragically, Mr Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers, would not live to tell the tale of his ordeal in the hands of his abductors. He was brutally beheaded by the Islamists on May 17, 2026, and a video of the barbaric act was subsequently circulated on social media platforms.

After several weeks in captivity, the victims were released by the terrorists following joint efforts by the Nigerian military, the Police Service, and local hunters. The subsequent announcement of the arrests of some of the perpetrators of the heinous act brought relief to the families of the victims and helped ease some of the anxiety that had gripped the general public.

Since the discharge of the victims rescued from the clutches of the terrorists, however, the Oyo State Government has, in the view of the families and concerned members of the public, appeared insensitive to the plight of the victims, particularly the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic incident.

In a move to express solidarity with the affected families and commiserate with them over the loss of their loved ones, delegates of Think Yoruba First (TYF) visited the families of the late Michael Oyedokun, late Deacon John Olaleye, late Joel Adesiyan, and late Ayobami Akanni on August 7, 2026, in the ancient city of Ogbomoso. The visit exposed the extent of the hardship and uncertainty confronting families who have lost their primary sources of support.

Prior to the visit, Think Yoruba First had the opportunity to speak with members of the family of the late Michael Oyedokun, including Mrs Mary Olubusola Oyedokun, the widow of the deceased. She was visibly distressed and distraught by the traumatic loss of her husband.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Pastor Joel Alamu, who identified himself as a brother of the late Oyedokun, expressed the family’s frustration and the challenges it has faced since his death. Pastor Alamu revealed that Mrs. Oyedokun has yet to recover from the trauma of witnessing the brutal death of her husband and has since been ill and undergoing treatment.

He further disclosed that the family continues to face serious financial challenges and uncertainty following the death of Mr Oyedokun, who was the primary pillar of support for the family. His death has cast a dark cloud over the future of his surviving children, including Samuel and Abiodun Oyedokun, who now face uncertainty in meeting their daily needs and pursuing their education.

Mrs Funke Olaleye similarly expressed the difficulty of accepting the death of her husband, Deacon John Olaleye, describing it as a painful reality that continues to traumatise the family. In expressing her frustration, Mrs Olaleye lamented what she described as misleading reports in the media, including claims that N10 million had been given to each of the families who lost loved ones in the incident.

She also referred to reports concerning the purported adoption of the three children of one of the deceased victims, which she described as a politically motivated media stunt by an individual seeking elective office in the state. She expressed disappointment that individuals could exploit the tragedy suffered by these families for personal political objectives or publicity.

Similarly, Mrs Grace Akanni and Victoria Adesiyan revealed that they were yet to receive any relief from the state government. They also stated that the N10 million pledge reportedly made by the Nigerian Senate to each of the families who lost their loved ones remained unfulfilled.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this tragedy is the manner in which the welfare of the victims and their families has been handled. The constituted authorities in Oyo State and Nigeria generally must remember that the protection of lives and property is one of the fundamental obligations of the government.

It is particularly troubling that reports indicate that the schools where the abduction took place allegedly had neither adequate security perimeters nor security personnel capable of serving as a first line of defence against such an attack.

While there is little value in crying over spilled milk, the Oyo State Government must take responsibility for managing the aftermath of this tragedy and provide adequate support to the affected families so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.

In dealing with a tragic and deeply traumatising incident of this nature, the survivors of the kidnapping and the immediate families of those who lost their lives require sustained psychological and emotional support.

The children and wife of the late Oyedokun, who have endured watching his gruesome beheading, particularly require professional counselling and therapy to help them process the experience and begin the difficult journey toward recovery.

It is also important to recognise the economic reality confronting these families. The four men who lost their lives were pillars and breadwinners within their respective households.

Their deaths have left their surviving family members facing an uncertain future and a range of immediate needs, including food, healthcare, education, housing, and other basic necessities.

The Oyo State Government must therefore find its human face and take concrete steps to support these families. Government assistance should not be limited to public statements or promises. It must translate into tangible interventions that can restore dignity, stability, and hope to families whose lives have been permanently altered by this tragedy.

The future of these families must not become a pipe dream simply because they lost their loved ones in an act of terrorism. They deserve to know that their government and fellow citizens have not abandoned them.

Several promises have been announced in the media concerning relief and support for the victims of the Oriire Local Government abduction, particularly the families of the late Michael Oyedokun, late John Olaleye, late Joel Adesiyan, and late Ayobami Akanni, however, these promises remain pie in the sky until they are delivered.

Think Yoruba First therefore appeals to the Oyo State Government to urgently come to the aid of these families by providing meaningful financial, medical, psychological, and educational support. We equally call on the leadership of the Nigerian Senate to fulfil its reported N10 million pledge to each of the bereaved families.

Beyond financial assistance, these families need reassurance that their losses have not been forgotten and that they still belong to a society that cares about their wellbeing. The families have already paid an unbearable price. They should not be left to carry the burden alone.

Government must act. Promises must become reality. And these families must be given the support they need to stand on their feet again and regain a sense of dignity, hope, and belonging in Nigeria.
Ayoola, Coordinator, TYF Oyo State Chapter, wrote from Oriire.