One of the pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has recounted the emotional final moments of his teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, revealing that the victims heard his desperate cries shortly before he was killed by the kidnappers. The account has provided a heartbreaking glimpse into the trauma endured by the abducted pupils and teachers during the weeks they spent in the forest.
The schoolboy named, Riliwan Hassan, said the captives were overwhelmed with fear and helplessness as they listened to their teacher calling out while being taken away by the abductors. According to him, “We heard our teacher’s cries before he was killed,” adding that the horrifying experience remains one of the most painful memories from their time in captivity.
Mr Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was among those abducted when armed men attacked schools in Oriire on May 15, 2026. While dozens of pupils and teachers were eventually rescued after nearly two months in captivity, Oyedokun was murdered during the ordeal, leaving his family, colleagues and students devastated.
Riliwan Hassan, a 15years old boy also explained that life in captivity was marked by constant fear, uncertainty and exhaustion. The victims were reportedly forced to undertake long treks through forests, frequently changing locations as the kidnappers attempted to evade security operatives. Food and clean water were scarce, while the captives lived each day uncertain of what would happen next.
Riliwan Hassan further recounted that, in the early days of their captivity, the children were fed rice prepared by women within the kidnappers’ camp, but as time went on, the abductors took over the cooking of the rice themselves.
He also revealed that whenever it rained, the kidnappers would cover them with nylon sheets to shield them from the downpour, adding that although he is uncertain about returning to a school in Oriire Local Government Area because of the traumatic experience, “I will definitely go back to school, but I’m not sure it will be around Oriire.”
Despite the harsh conditions, the teachers continued to encourage and comfort the children, urging them not to lose hope even when their own lives were under threat. Survivors recalled that the educators remained a source of strength for the younger pupils, helping them cope emotionally throughout the difficult period in captivity.
The death of Oyedokun has remained one of the darkest moments of the abduction. His family has repeatedly described him as a dedicated educator whose commitment to teaching and service left a lasting impact on both his students and the community. They have also appealed to members of the public to stop circulating graphic videos and images of his killing, saying the repeated sharing of such content continues to deepen their grief and emotional trauma.
Following the successful rescue of the remaining pupils and teachers, mixed emotions have continued to trail the incident. While families celebrated the return of their loved ones, relatives of the late teacher said their joy remained incomplete because Oyedokun did not survive the ordeal. His niece, reflecting on the rescue, wrote that although she rejoiced with families reunited with their loved ones, “our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever,” describing her uncle as someone who would never return home.
The incident has renewed concerns about the security of schools, particularly those located in rural communities vulnerable to attacks by armed groups. It has also reignited conversations on the need for stronger preventive measures, rapid emergency response systems and sustained protection for learners, teachers and other education personnel across the country.
As the rescued pupils gradually begin the difficult journey of healing and returning to normal life, the memory of Mr Michael Oyedokun continues to resonate among survivors. For many of the children who witnessed the tragedy, his final moments remain an unforgettable reminder of the sacrifices teachers make and the urgent need to ensure that every Nigerian school is a safe place for teaching and learning.
