The Senate has approved a donation of N50 million to the families of five people who lost their lives during the military operation that rescued abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The decision, announced during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, provides N10 million each to the families of the three soldiers and two teachers who died during the rescue mission.
Akpabio said the financial support was intended to assist the children and dependants left behind by the deceased.
“The Senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased,” Akpabio said.
“Each of the deceased families should be given N10 million.”
The donation followed the Senate’s adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who commended President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for securing the release of the abducted victims after 56 days in captivity.
Presenting the motion, Bamidele described the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire as a disturbing development that highlighted the spread of organised criminal activities into the South-West.
He noted that President Tinubu had directed security agencies to deploy all lawful resources to secure the victims’ release, leading to an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in their rescue on July 10.
According to the Senate, the operation also led to the killing of several criminals and the arrest of eight suspected terrorists.
Lawmakers said the successful rescue had restored public confidence and reassured parents and school communities that efforts were being intensified to tackle insecurity.
The Senate also called on relevant authorities to provide comprehensive medical treatment and welfare support for Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion, who sustained serious injuries while shielding the abducted children during the operation.
The upper chamber paid tribute to the fallen security personnel—Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome—as well as the two teachers who lost their lives during the incident.
The abduction of more than 45 pupils and teachers from two schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 sparked widespread concern over the security of schools, particularly in rural communities.
On Tuesday, senators observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting measures aimed at improving security, protecting schools and vulnerable communities, and enhancing the welfare of personnel involved in high-risk operations.
