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Expressing their excitement, an elder sister to mother of the kidnapped pupils, whose two of her children were abducted, Mrs. Asabi Risikatu spoken on phone with Saturday INDEPENDENT said “my sister cannot speak now, she’s over excited, I’m so excited. I can’t even sleep now because of the joy in me. I will asked my sister to speak with you later.
“We are so excited, we thank the government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Security operatives for coming to our aid. We’ve seen our children, they’re among the rescued victims. We will continue to be very grateful,” Mrs Risikatu said.
One of the fathers of the abductees, Mr Musa Abdulwaheed also spoke with our reporter.
“As one the parents of the kidnapped pupils in Oriire, I give thanks to Almighty God for freedom of our pupils. Thanks to the Federal government and Governor of Oyo State for the freedom of our children.”
Another parent who pleaded to bevanonymous said, “Yes, I am the gladdest person this evening. I will have a good sleep tonight. I’m so grateful to God. I saw my kids among the rescued victims in a viral video. I haven’t seen them physically but at least, I have seen them on the videos trending and I’m so glad that they’re now in safer hands.”
The Secretary General of Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE), Dr. Victor Taiwo said, “this is what we’ve been expecting, I’m so glad. No more words please other than that I am the gladdest person this evening. And I will have to celebrate this in our office on Monday.”
The family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, the teacher killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has expressed mixed emotions following the release of the remaining victims, saying that while other families are celebrating the return of their loved ones, theirs will never experience such joy.
Oyedokun was among the teachers abducted alongside pupils during the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. He was reportedly killed by the abductors while the others remained in captivity for 56 days before regaining their freedom.
Reacting to the victims’ release on Friday, Oyedokun’s niece, Oluwabukolami, who has served as the family’s spokesperson throughout the ordeal on Instagram, said although the family was grateful that the remaining victims had returned safely, nothing could ease the pain of losing her uncle.
In an emotional post shared on Instagram, she congratulated the rescued victims and their families while lamenting that her uncle would never return home.
“They are finally home.
“My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear, and uncertainty. Welcome home.
“But as others celebrate, my family mourns.
“My uncle, Mr Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, will never come home. He was taken from us, and his life was brutally cut short. Our joy is incomplete because one chair at our table will remain empty forever.
“Today, we celebrate those who returned while remembering the one who never did.
“Rest in peace, Uncle Michael. You will never be forgotten.”
The release of the abducted pupils and teachers brought an end to their 56-day captivity, sparking celebrations among their families and well-wishers.
However, for the family of the late Oyedokun, the reunion serves as a painful reminder of the loved one they lost during the tragic incident.
