The Nigerian Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of those who lost their lives during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who described the victims’ deaths as a tragic sacrifice in the country’s ongoing battle against insecurity.
Akpabio disclosed that each of the five affected families would receive ₦10 million. The beneficiaries include the families of two teachers killed by the abductors and three security personnel who died while carrying out the rescue operation.
He explained that the financial support is intended to provide relief to the bereaved families while honouring the courage and sacrifice of the deceased.
The Senate President also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing the kidnapped pupils and teachers after they had spent more than 50 days in captivity.
Earlier, the Senate confirmed the identities of the three security operatives who lost their lives during the rescue mission that secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele identified the fallen officers as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.
He also revealed that Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion sustained injuries during the rescue operation.