The Senate on Wednesday approved a ₦50 million support package for the families of five people who lost their lives during the military operation that rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the deceased as heroes whose sacrifices made the successful mission possible.
Under the resolution, each of the five bereaved families will receive ₦10 million to support the welfare of children and dependants left behind by the victims.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the decision during plenary while commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the intelligence-led operation that secured the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
Akpabio said the financial intervention was aimed at easing the burden on the affected families, particularly the children of the deceased.
“The Senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased,” he said, directing that ₦10 million be released to each family.
The approval followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who praised President Bola Tinubu, the military and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation.
Bamidele recalled that the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 shocked Nigerians and raised fresh concerns over the spread of organised criminal activities into the South-West.
He noted that following President Tinubu’s directive, security agencies launched sustained intelligence-driven operations that eventually led to the rescue of the victims, the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the neutralisation of several other members of the criminal gang.
The Senate said the operation had restored public confidence in the country’s security architecture and demonstrated that criminal groups would not be allowed to operate with impunity.
Lawmakers also urged the relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive medical treatment and adequate welfare support for Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained serious injuries while shielding abducted pupils from gunfire during the rescue operation.
The upper chamber equally paid tribute to three soldiers—Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome—as well as two teachers who lost their lives during the operation.
Senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen personnel and teachers, pledging that their courage and sacrifice would never be forgotten.
The Senate further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies aimed at strengthening national security, improving the protection of schools and vulnerable communities, and enhancing the welfare of security personnel engaged in high-risk operations across the country.