By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Senate has approved a donation of N50 million to the families of five individuals, including teachers and soldiers, who lost their lives during the rescue operation that followed the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Red Chamber approved the N50 million donation, with each of the five bereaved families to receive N10 million, during plenary on Wednesday, July 15, describing the deaths as a painful sacrifice in the nation’s fight against insecurity.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who announced the donation, commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
“The Senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased,” Akpabio said.
The donation followed the Senate’s adoption of a motion moved on Tuesday by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), which commended President Bola Tinubu, the military, and other security agencies for the successful rescue mission.
In the motion, Bamidele recalled that the nation was shocked following the news of the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers, describing it as a “disturbing expansion of organised criminal activities” into the South-West.
He said that following an immediate directive by President Bola Tinubu to deploy every lawful resource, security agencies launched an intensive intelligence-driven operation that culminated in the July 10 rescue of the victims, the neutralisation 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 urged the relevant authorities to provide the highest standard of medical care and comprehensive welfare support for Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion, who sustained severe injuries while shielding the abducted children from gunfire during the operation.
The lawmakers paid tribute to Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, the three soldiers who died during the rescue mission, as well as Michael Oyedokun and Esiyan Adegboye, the two teachers who lost their lives to the abduction.
On Tuesday, senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the slain teachers and soldiers, saying their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
The Senate also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting measures aimed at strengthening security across the country, improving the protection of schools and vulnerable communities, and enhancing the welfare of security personnel engaged in high-risk operations.
