Beheading Video of Oyo Teacher Sparks National Outrage; Tinubu Condemns 'Barbaric' Act

A video released by kidnappers on May 17 showed the beheading of Michael Oyedokun, a teacher at Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire LGA, Oyo State, who had been abducted along with 45 others (including 39 students) in the May 15 attack. The video ignited nationwide outrage, with President Tinubu personally condemning the act as 'barbaric' and pledging to 'work to arrest the killers.' House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for the swift rescue of all remaining captives. Civil society organizations, celebrities, and labor unions joined in demanding immediate government action. The Oyo State government offered a ₦20 million reward for information leading to the rescue of the captives. Military officials confirmed Tucano A-29 Super Tucano surveillance jets were being deployed over forest areas where hostages were believed to be held. The murder echoed the 2014 Chibok kidnapping crisis and intensified calls for federal military action in Oyo State's porous borders with Kwara and Kogi.