Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called on the federal and state governments to provide psychological support, trauma counselling, and rehabilitation for the 39 pupils and teachers rescued from abduction in Oyo state. The victims were held captive for over 50 days after armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. They regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, following a military-led operation.
Senator Urges Trauma Care for Survivors
During the Senate plenary on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Natasha contributed to a motion on the rescue, emphasizing that recovery must extend beyond physical release. She stated: "I call on the federal government and state governments, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to ensure the provision of psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation for the rescued victims to facilitate their full recovery from the psychological effects of the kidnapping." She argued that professional counselling and a coordinated rehabilitation plan are essential to help survivors reintegrate into their families, schools, and communities.
Commendation for President Tinubu and Security Forces
Natasha praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security forces for securing the release. She said: "I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and steadfast commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers. I also appreciate the Nigerian Armed Forces and all the security agencies whose courage, professionalism and sacrifice made this successful operation possible." She also paid tribute to the abducted teachers who were killed while in captivity, offering condolences to their families.
Senate Adopts Motion, Demands Further Action
The Senate adopted the motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. Lawmakers commended President Tinubu, the armed forces, and intelligence agencies for the operation, while also paying tribute to security personnel killed or wounded during the mission. The Senate urged the federal government to ensure prompt payment of death benefits and other entitlements to families of officers who lost their lives, and called for better welfare, training, and equipment for security forces. Senators appealed to security agencies to sustain efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still in captivity across the country, describing the Oyo rescue as a significant step towards restoring public confidence in the nation's security institutions.
Background on the Oriire Abduction
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The victims spent 56 days in captivity before being rescued on July 10, 2026. The rescue operation was led by the military, with support from other security agencies.
