A kidnapped teacher of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Michael Oyedokun, has been killed by suspected bandits in Oyo State, deepening fears over the fate of other abducted victims.
The teacher was reportedly beheaded in a video said to have been released by the kidnappers on Sunday, with the footage circulating online on Monday.
The disturbing video showed the victim tied up and forced to speak before being killed, sparking outrage and renewed calls for urgent rescue operations.
Residents and community members have continued to appeal to security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, said the government had extended condolences to the bereaved family.
He added that authorities were deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to rescue the remaining abducted teachers and students.
According to him, about six suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping, while security operatives were still pursuing other leads.
He also confirmed that members of the rescue team, including soldiers, Amotekun Corps operatives and local vigilantes, had suffered casualties after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers during operations.
The government said injured personnel were receiving treatment and assured that all medical costs would be covered.
Officials also urged residents and religious leaders to remain calm, stressing that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring them home safely.