The Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five Nigerians who died during the rescue of schoolchildren abducted in Oorire, Oyo State.
The children and their teachers spent 56 days in captivity before security operatives secured their release.
Announcing the donation during plenary on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said lawmakers unanimously agreed to give ₦10 million to each of the bereaved families.
Akpabio recalled that the Senate had a day earlier commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for the successful rescue operation.
He praised the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of Defence, and President Tinubu, whom he described as the Commander-in-Chief who led the operation.
According to Akpabio, while the victims were rescued alive, the operation came at a heavy cost.
The Senate President named the fallen security personnel as:
1. Lieutenant F. A. Isaac – Nigerian Army
2. Private Silas Musa – 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army
3. Sergeant Abena John Jerome – Nigeria Police Force
He also named the two slain teachers as Deacon John Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun.
Akpabio said both teachers were murdered while in captivity with the abducted children. Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers before the rescue.
The Senate President explained that the ₦10 million for each family is to support the children and dependants left behind by the deceased.
He put the proposal to a voice vote, and it received overwhelming support from senators.
Akpabio subsequently directed the Senate leadership to present the cheques to the affected families on behalf of the upper chamber.
He expressed hope that the financial support, though symbolic, would provide some relief to the bereaved families and reaffirm the Senate’s appreciation for the sacrifices made.
The Oorire schoolchildren were abducted 56 days ago and rescued last week in a joint operation by the Army, Police, and DSS.
