‘I Was Devastated My Husband 't Freed,’ Wife of Slain Oriire Teacher Begs Oyo Gov. Makinde to Recover His Remains

The wife of late John Olaleye, one of the teachers killed while in captivity following the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to help recover her husband's remains and support the three children he left behind.

Mrs. Olaleye made the appeal after the release of dozens of teachers and schoolchildren who had spent 56 days in captivity.

She said although she was initially overjoyed by the news of the victims' freedom, her happiness turned into grief when she realised that her husband was not among those rescued.

"I was sad when I realised my husband wasn't among the freed Oriire teachers and schoolchildren. I plead with the government to recover my husband's remains and help with the three children he left behind," she said.

According to her, the family has continued to live in pain since learning that her husband died while in captivity, adding that they deserve the opportunity to give him a dignified burial.

She also appealed to the Oyo State Government to provide assistance for the upbringing and education of their three children, saying the burden of raising them alone has become overwhelming.

John Olaleye was among the teachers abducted when armed terrorists attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, kidnapping dozens of pupils and teachers. While many of the victims were eventually released after weeks in captivity, Olaleye reportedly died before the rescue operation was concluded.