The family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher killed by bandits after being abducted in Oyo State, has appealed to the public to stop circulating graphic footage of his death online.
Oyedokun was among teachers kidnapped on Friday during attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The assailants also targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso.
The attacks left an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist dead, while several others were abducted.
A video that surfaced on social media on Monday allegedly showed Oyedokun in captivity shortly before he was killed. The footage drew widespread reactions and renewed concerns over insecurity and the fate of the remaining victims.
In a statement shared through the Instagram page of social media influencer Temilola Sobola, the family described the repeated circulation of the video and images as “deeply traumatizing.”
“We truly appreciate the love, concern, and sympathy shown towards our family during this painful time,” the statement read.
“However, the continuous circulation of those videos and images is deeply traumatizing for us as a family.”
The family said the emotional impact has been severe, especially for Oyedokun’s children, who are currently sitting for examinations.
“His children are currently writing their exams and it has been extremely difficult emotionally for them, his elderly loved ones, and all of us — his nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives — especially as these contents keep appearing on social media,” the statement added.
The family urged the public and media users to avoid reposting the graphic material and instead use approved family photographs where necessary.
“For the sake of our mental and emotional wellbeing, we humbly ask that if it is necessary to post about the incident, please kindly blur the videos/images or make use of the pictures officially released by the family instead,” the statement said.
“We sincerely appreciate your understanding, prayers, love and support during this difficult period. Thank you.”
The Oyo State Government had earlier ordered the closure of schools in four local government areas following the attacks, as security agencies continue efforts to rescue the remaining abducted victims.
