The Senate has approved a donation of ₦50 million to the families of two teachers and three security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation that freed pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Each of the five bereaved families will receive ₦10 million, as announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday's plenary.
Senate President Announces Financial Support
Akpabio stated that the financial support was intended to help cater for the children and dependants left behind by the deceased. He said, 'The Senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased. Each of the deceased families will be given ₦10 million.' The Senate described the deaths as a painful sacrifice in Nigeria's fight against insecurity and commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
Motion and Tribute to Fallen Heroes
The donation followed the Senate's adoption of a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), which praised President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the rescue operation. In the motion, Bamidele described the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers as a disturbing expansion of organised criminal activities into the South-West and said the successful rescue had restored public confidence in the country's security architecture.
The lawmakers paid tribute to the three security personnel who died during the operation: Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force. The Senate also honoured the two teachers who lost their lives: Michael Oyedokun, who was beheaded by the kidnappers while in captivity, and Deacon John Olaleye, who was shot during the attack on the school.
Call for Medical Care and Welfare Support
In addition to the donation, the Senate urged the relevant authorities to provide comprehensive medical treatment and welfare support for Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion, who sustained severe injuries while shielding abducted schoolchildren from gunfire during the rescue mission. The upper chamber also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting measures aimed at strengthening security across the country, improving the protection of schools and vulnerable communities, and enhancing the welfare of security personnel engaged in high-risk operations.
Rescue Operation After 56 Days
The abducted pupils and teachers were rescued in a coordinated operation involving the military and other security agencies after spending 56 days in captivity, bringing an end to one of the most high-profile school abductions in the South-West this year. The Senate's donation underscores the nation's gratitude for the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes and the ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in Nigeria.
