Oyo abduction: Senate approves N50m donation for families of slain teachers, soldiers

The Senate on Wednesday approved a N50 million donation for the families of three soldiers and two teachers who lost their lives during the operation that rescued pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Each of the five bereaved families will receive N10 million in recognition of what lawmakers described as the ultimate sacrifice made in the fight against insecurity.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the intervention during plenary while applauding the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for securing the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity.

Akpabio said, “The Senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased.”

He directed that “each of the deceased families be given N10 million.”

The financial support followed the Senate’s adoption of a motion sponsored on Tuesday by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), praising President Bola Tinubu, the military and security agencies for the successful rescue operation.

Presenting the motion, Bamidele recalled the widespread concern that followed the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers, saying the incident marked a worrying spread of organised criminal activities into the South-West.

He said President Tinubu immediately ordered security agencies to deploy every lawful resource to secure the victims, leading to an intelligence-led operation that resulted in their rescue on July 10, the killing of several criminals and the arrest of eight suspected terrorists.

“The successful rescue has restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities,” the Senate resolution noted, adding that it sends an “unmistakable message” that criminals have no haven in Nigeria.

The Senate also called on the appropriate authorities to ensure Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion receives the best medical treatment and comprehensive welfare support after sustaining serious injuries while protecting the abducted children from gunfire during the operation.

Lawmakers honoured the memory of Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, the three soldiers who died during the rescue mission, alongside the two teachers who also lost their lives.

The victims were among those affected when more than 45 pupils and teachers were abducted from two schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, an attack that triggered nationwide condemnation and renewed concerns over the security of schools, especially in rural areas.

The victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated rescue operation carried out by the military and other security agencies.

During Tuesday’s plenary, senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen soldiers and teachers, describing their sacrifice as one the nation would always remember.

The upper chamber also reiterated its commitment to initiatives that will improve national security, strengthen the protection of schools and vulnerable communities, and enhance the welfare of security personnel serving in dangerous operations.