Segun Atanda/
The Oyo State Government has honoured Lieutenant F. A. Isaac and eight other people who lost their lives during the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a memorial graphic shared on its official X handle on Wednesday, the state government paid tribute to four civilians and five military and security personnel who died during the incident that gripped the state before the successful rescue of the surviving victims.
The government said: “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.”
Those honoured among the civilian victims were Mr Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher who was beheaded while in captivity after being abducted; Deacon John Olaleye, who was killed after weeks in captivity; Mr Joel Adesiyan, another teacher who was shot dead during the initial attack; and Mr Oluwasegun Akanni, a commercial motorcyclist who was reportedly shot dead while attempting to record the abduction on his mobile phone.
The military and security personnel remembered were Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Mr Adigun Saibu, Mr Isa Saliu, Mr Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed soldier, all of whom lost their lives during the security operations mounted in response to the abduction.
The tribute came days after security forces rescued the abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other captives following intelligence-led operations across the Old Oyo National Park and adjoining areas.
The operation, led by the Nigerian Army with support from other security agencies, ended an abduction that had generated widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond.
Images and videos released after the rescue captured emotional reunions between survivors and their families. One widely shared video showed Mrs Olaleye celebrating the release of the captives, unaware at the time that her husband had been killed in captivity, a revelation that later drew widespread sympathy.
The memorial also serves as a reminder of the human cost of the kidnapping. Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded while in captivity, while fellow teacher Joel Adesiyan was shot dead during the attack. Deacon John Olaleye was killed after spending weeks in captivity, and commercial motorcyclist Oluwasegun Akanni was reportedly shot dead while trying to film the abduction.
Their deaths became defining moments of an incident that shocked Oyo State and intensified calls for sustained action against armed criminal groups operating in the area.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has repeatedly commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the operation that secured the release of the remaining captives while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening security across the state.
The Oriire abduction ranks among the most significant security incidents in Oyo State in recent years.
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