The family of Deacon John Olaleye, one of the two teachers killed by terrorists during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to the Federal Government and Governor Seyi Makinde to help recover his remains for a dignified burial.
The deceased’s elder brother and widow made the appeal days after the rescue of the 39 pupils and five surviving teachers who spent 56 days in captivity.
PUNCH Online reports that terrorists killed one teacher and abducted seven teachers and 39 pupils when they attacked three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15, 2026.
One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the attackers, who publicly flaunted the act in a video that went viral.
It was after the rescue that authorities confirmed that Olaleye was also killed, bringing the number of teachers killed in captivity to two.
In a video posted by TVC and sighted by our correspondent on Friday, the deceased’s elder brother said the family only learnt of his death through the state government’s broadcast announcing the rescue operation.
“I am John Olaleye Olayinka’s brother, one of the teachers killed during the Oriire abduction. We never knew he was killed until we listened to the broadcast (by the governor),” he said.
He pleaded with the authorities to recover the body, even if only skeletal remains could be found.
“We are appealing to the government… if they can release his remains, even if it is just his bones, so we can see them, for the sake of the children’s future,” he said.
The deceased’s brother also appealed for support for the teacher’s widow and three children.
“His wife, if they can help us secure a job for her, it would be highly appreciated. He left three children behind. If they can help provide them with an education scholarship, we will be grateful,” he added.
In a separate video, Olaleye’s widow appealed to the government to recover her husband’s body and assist the family.
“I was heartbroken when I heard that my husband was not among those released.
“My plea to the government is that they should please, in the name of God, release my husband’s corpse to me,” she said.
She also appealed for educational support for their three children and assistance to help her cater to the family.
“He left three children behind. My appeal is that they should support us concerning these children, especially with their education.
“As for me, I am the one solely responsible for taking care of everything in the house. I am begging the government to have mercy on us and help us in whatever way they can,” she said.
The appeals came days after the federal government announced the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers following an intelligence-led security operation.
The rescued principal of Community High School, Oriire, Mrs Rachael Alamu, had earlier disclosed that the abductors deliberately killed two teachers in captivity to pressure the government into meeting their demands.
“There were times when we had hope that we would all come out alive. The terrorists killed Mr Michael, the first teacher, on the second day of our abduction, and Deacon, the second teacher, was killed on the first Sunday of June.
“They killed them purposely because they thought it would force the hand of the government to provide them whatever they wanted,” she said.
Following the rescue, the survivors received medical treatment and psychosocial support before reuniting with their families.
Senate on Wednesday approved a donation of N50 million to the families of five people who died during the rescue operation, including the two slain teachers and three soldiers.
Under the resolution, each bereaved family is to receive N10 million to support the children left behind.
When asked about the Senate’s donation, Olaleye’s widow said she had not been informed of any such support.
“No, I haven’t heard anything about it,” she replied.
Credit: punchng.com
