While families across Oyo State celebrated the return of pupils and teachers rescued after 56 days in captivity, the family of slain teacher Michael Olugbade Oyedokun said their joy would never be complete.
Oyedokun, one of the teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, was killed by his captors while the other victims were eventually rescued by security forces.
Reacting to the rescue, Oyedokun's niece, Oluwabukolami, shared an emotional message on Instagram, where she has spoken on behalf of the family since the abduction.
"They are finally home," she wrote.
"My heart rejoices with every family that has been reunited with their loved ones after weeks of pain, fear, and uncertainty.
"Welcome home."
She said, however, that the family's grief remains.
"But as others celebrate, my family mourns," she wrote.
"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."
Oluwabukolami added, "Today, we celebrate those who returned, while remembering the one who never did.
"Rest in peace, Uncle Michael.
"You will never be forgotten."
President Bola Tinubu earlier welcomed the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing it as the end of a painful 56-day ordeal.
The Presidency said security agencies arrested eight suspected kidnappers during the operation while several others were killed.
Officials also said the rescue was carried out without meeting the kidnappers' demand for the release of one of their detained leaders.
Even as communities celebrate the safe return of the surviving victims, Oyedokun's family says the rescue is a bittersweet reminder of the one life that could not be saved.
The Instagram post has drawn widespread sympathy online, with many Nigerians offering prayers for the family while welcoming the rescued children and teachers back home.
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