Human rights lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a teacher at Community High School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He described the incident as a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and institutional collapse.
Ejiofor who made the condemnation in his Weekend Musings,” described the beheading of the Mathematics teacher as “the public execution of national conscience,”
He warned that the nation is gradually losing its moral and social foundations due to persistent insecurity and government inaction.
The lawyer lamented the growing wave of violence targeting innocent citizens, especially educators and schoolchildren.
According to Ejiofor, Mr. Oyedokun was neither involved in politics nor any form of criminal activity but was simply carrying out his professional duties when he was abducted and allegedly murdered by terrorists.
“His only offence was choosing to be in school, teaching and mentoring children entrusted to his care. That singular act of service to humanity cost him his life.”
He also expressed concern over reports that several students abducted during the incident remain in captivity, facing severe psychological and emotional trauma while their captors allegedly seek ransom and concessions from authorities.
Schools no longer safe spaces
Ejiofor questioned the state of a nation where schools are no longer safe spaces for learning but have become targets for violent attacks.
“What greater tragedy can befall a country than when classrooms become theatres of terror and teachers become bargaining tools in the hands of extremists?” he asked.
The human rights lawyer described teachers as the backbone of every society.
He stressed that every professional, including judges, doctors, engineers, governors, and presidents, was once taught by a teacher.
“Despite their vital role in nation-building, he lamented that teachers in Nigeria continue to face neglect, poor remuneration, and lack of institutional support.”
According to him, the killing of Mr. Oyedokun should serve as a wake-up call to authorities at all levels to urgently address insecurity and restore confidence in the nation’s education system.
Charge to the government
Ejiofor called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that all those connected to the crime are arrested and prosecuted.
“The blood of Mr. Michael Oyedokun cries out for justice,” he declared, insisting that no individual linked to the attack should be protected regardless of political or institutional influence.
He further warned that any society that fails to protect and honour its teachers is gradually preparing for the collapse of its civilisation.
Ejiofor lamented that despite the admiration many children have for teachers, successive governments have continued to treat the profession with neglect and indifference.
He said many teachers across Nigeria remain poorly paid, undervalued, and subjected to harsh working conditions despite their sacrifices and contributions to national development.
The legal practitioner concluded by praying for the repose of Mr. Oyedokun’s soul and urging Nigerians not to allow the incident fade from public memory.
“May his service to humanity never go unrewarded,” Ejiofor said, adding that the nation must rise to defend the dignity and safety of its educators before more lives are lost.
