The family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, one of the teachers killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has expressed mixed emotions following the rescue of the remaining victims, saying while other families are celebrating, theirs will never experience such joy.

Reacting after the release of the abducted pupils and teachers on Friday, Oluwabukolami, who identified herself as Oyedokun’s niece and has served as the family’s spokesperson since the incident on Instagram, said the return of the victims could not erase the pain of losing her uncle.

In a post shared on Instagram, she congratulated the rescued victims and their families but lamented 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,” she wrote.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers as “a big relief” after they spent 57 days in captivity.

The Presidency also confirmed that the victims were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised during the operation.

According to him, the rescue was carried out without acceding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their detained kingpins, who is currently facing prosecution.

The attack occurred on May 15 when gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting scores of pupils and teachers.

During the attack, Oyedokun and another teacher, Esiyan Adegboye, were killed.

PUNCH Online had reported that Adegboye, 49, who was shot dead during the invasion, was buried in Ogbomoso on May 22.

Following the attack, Makinde disclosed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Nursery and Primary School.