Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially named the eight persons who lost their lives during the 56-day kidnapping ordeal involving pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would never be forgotten.
The governor, while mourning the teachers and security operatives who lost their lives in the incident, said while the safe return of the victims was a source of joy, the state was also grieving the painful loss of innocent civilians and security personnel who paid the supreme price in the course of the rescue operation.
Makinde identified the deceased teachers as Mr. Joel Adeshiyan, who was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises; Mr. John Olaleye, who died while in captivity; and Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose killing by the kidnappers was captured in a video that circulated widely across the country.
The governor also honoured the five security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission.
They included Lieutenant Isaac, Mr. Adigun Suibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba, and another soldier who died in the line of duty while pursuing the abductors.
Makinde said the sacrifices of the deceased reflected the courage and commitment of those who stood against criminality to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He urged residents to remember their families in prayers and pledged that their service to the state and the nation would never be forgotten.
“Even as we rejoice, our relief is tempered by profound sorrow. We mourn the tragic loss of lives in the course of this unfortunate incident. We pray that Almighty God grants them eternal rest,” the governor said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across Oyo State, assuring residents that the government would continue to work with security agencies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and ensure the safety of lives and property.
