The family of murdered Oyo school teacher, Michael Oyedokun, has appealed to Nigerians and media platforms to stop circulating graphic videos and photos of his killing online.
The appeal followed the tragic attack carried out by bandits in Aholo-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where pupils, students, and school staff were abducted from multiple schools last Friday.
Family Speaks Out
A family member, Adesewa Oladosu, made the emotional appeal in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying the repeated circulation of the disturbing content has worsened the pain of the family.
“Hello everyone, please we sincerely appeal to the public and media platforms to kindly reduce or stop sharing the graphic videos and pictures of our beloved uncle,” she wrote.
She explained that the videos and images have continued to traumatise the family, especially the late teacher’s children who are currently sitting for their WAEC examinations.
“We truly appreciate the love, concern, and sympathy shown towards our family during this painful time,” she added.
“However, the continuous circulation of those videos and images is deeply traumatizing for us as a family.”
Children Writing WAEC Exams
According to her, the emotional toll has been overwhelming for the deceased’s children, elderly relatives, and extended family members.
“His children are currently writing their WAEC 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,” she stated.
The family urged Nigerians to use blurred images or officially released family photos whenever discussing the incident online.
“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,” she appealed.
“We sincerely appreciate your understanding, prayers, love, and support during this difficult period. Thank you.”
Attack Sparks Outrage
Mr Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded in a video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday, May 17, a development that has triggered outrage and grief across Nigeria.
The attack in Oyo State has also intensified concerns over insecurity affecting schools and rural communities, with teachers and residents demanding urgent government intervention.
