The Oyo State Government has paid tribute to the civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would not be forgotten.

In a memorial message shared on its official X handle on Wednesday, the state government expressed gratitude for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers while mourning those who died during the incident.

“While we express gratitude for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA, we also wish to honour those who lost their lives. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We commit to supporting them during this trying period. May their souls rest in peace,” the statement read.

The government released an “In Memoriam” list containing the names of civilians and security personnel who died during the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area.

Civilians

Mr Michael Oyedokun
Deacon John Olaleye
Mr Joel Adesiyan
Mr Oluwasegun Akanni

Military and security personnel

Lieutenant F. A. Isaac
Mr Adigun Saibu
Mr Isa Saliu
Mr Rafiu Ayuba
An unnamed soldier

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area regained their freedom after spending about 57 days in captivity following a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies.

During the abduction, two teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun and Mr Esiyan Adegboye, were killed by the terrorists. While Adegboye’s body was recovered and buried shortly after the attack, Oyedokun’s remains are yet to be found.

The family of Oyedokun has since appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies to recover his body to enable them give him a befitting burial.

The successful rescue operation also claimed the lives of security personnel involved in efforts to free the victims, with the Oyo State Government acknowledging their sacrifice in the memorial released on Tuesday.