The Asipa of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Barrister Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle, OON, KJW, has described the grief of families affected by the recent killings and abductions in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a collective burden shared by the entire Ogbomoso people.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with representatives of the bereaved families at his residence in the Olukoko area of Ogbomoso, the Asipa said the tragic incident had plunged the whole of Ogbomosoland into mourning.
“The pain and sorrow you are going through are not yours alone. They are the collective burden of all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland. We stand with you in this difficult time,” he said.
The meeting was attended by representatives of three of the most affected families—the Oyedemi, Adesiyan and Akanni families—including Mrs. Toyin Akanni, Mrs. Victoria Moradeyo Adesiyan and Mrs. Mary Oyedokun.
High Chief Adekunle expressed profound grief over the attack, which claimed innocent lives and led to the abduction of teachers, students and the principal of Esiele Community High School after suspected bandits invaded the communities.
He lamented the death of Mr. Michael Oyedokun and other victims, describing the killings as painful and heartbreaking, adding that no community deserved to experience such brutality.
The traditional leader prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and sought divine intervention for the safe return of those still in captivity. He also expressed confidence that the efforts of security agencies and government would lead to the rescue of the abducted victims and the restoration of peace in the affected communities.
As part of his humanitarian intervention, High Chief Adekunle presented financial assistance and palliatives to the affected families to help ease the hardship caused by the tragedy.
He further assured the family of the late Mr. Michael Oyedokun of his personal commitment to supporting the education and welfare of the children left behind, praying that they would overcome their present challenges and attain greatness in life.
Also speaking, the Iyalode of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Rebecca Ogundare, expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved families and prayed that God would grant eternal rest to the deceased and comfort those they left behind.
She offered special prayers for the children of the late Mr. Oyedokun and urged them, as well as other youths in the affected communities, to remain focused on their education and shun drug abuse and other social vices capable of destroying their future.
Responding on behalf of the bereaved families, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun thanked the Asipa and the Iyalode for their compassion, prayers and generous support, saying their visit and assistance had brought comfort and renewed hope at a time of immense grief.
