The Senate on Wednesday approved a N50million donation to the families of five people killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their deaths as a painful sacrifice in the country’s fight against insecurity.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the donation during plenary while commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for rescuing the abducted victims after 56 days in captivity.
Akpabio said each of the affected families would receive N10million, with the beneficiaries including the families of two teachers killed by the abductors and three soldiers who died during the rescue operation.
According to him, the financial support is intended to assist the bereaved families while recognising the sacrifices made by the deceased during the tragic incident.
The victims were among those affected when gunmen abducted more than 45 pupils and teachers from two schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, an attack that triggered nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities.
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Reports indicated that one teacher was shot dead during the attack on the school premises, while another was beheaded after being held captive by the kidnappers.
The abducted pupils and teachers spent 56 days in a forest hideout before they were rescued in a coordinated operation involving the military and other security agencies.
The Senate had earlier praised President Bola Tinubu, the military and security agencies for the successful rescue mission, describing the operation as a demonstration of courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians.
On Tuesday, lawmakers 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 nationwide and preventing future attacks on schools.
The N50million donation comes amid growing calls for improved security around educational institutions and vulnerable communities, as well as enhanced welfare for security personnel engaged in high-risk operations.
