Bring Michael’s body home, slain Oyo teacher’s family begs Tinubu, Makinde

The family of Michael Oyedokun, a teacher tragically killed during the abduction of pupils and staff in Oyo State, Nigeria, has made a heartfelt plea to President Bola Tinubu. They are appealing for the recovery of his remains, emphasizing the profound grief and lack of closure stemming from his unrecovered body.

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We sincerely thank Your Excellency for the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security and intelligence agencies whose dedication and sacrifice led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims in Oyo State.

In an open letter addressed to the President, the Oyedokun family expressed gratitude for the successful rescue of other abducted students and teachers after nearly two months in captivity. They acknowledged the dedication of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force in achieving this outcome. However, their relief is overshadowed by the unresolved pain of Michael Oyedokun's death and the ongoing uncertainty about his final resting place.

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Our beloved relative, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, tragically lost his life while in captivity. Although the rescue operation was successful, his remains have yet to be recovered and returned to us for a dignified burial in accordance with our faith, traditions, and values.

"Our beloved relative, Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, tragically lost his life while in captivity," the family stated in the letter. "Although the rescue operation was successful, his remains have yet to be recovered and returned to us for a dignified burial in accordance with our faith, traditions, and values." The absence of his body, they explained, has prolonged their suffering and prevented them from performing the necessary final rites, which are crucial for honoring his memory and achieving peace.

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The absence of his body has prolonged our grief and denied our family the closure that every human being deserves. We continue to live with the pain of not knowing where he rests, unable to perform the final rites that would honour his memory and bring peace to our hearts.

The family is imploring President Tinubu to direct security agencies to intensify their search efforts. They are confident that the same resolve that led to the survivors' freedom can also ensure the return of Michael Oyedokun's body. Recovering his remains, they believe, is essential for restoring dignity to his memory and allowing the family to begin the process of healing and moving forward.

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Your Excellency, we respectfully appeal that you direct the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and recover the remains of Mr. Michael Olugbade Oyedokun.