The Senate has announced ₦50 million support for the families of teachers and security operatives killed during the abduction in Oyo State.
During Wednesday’s plenary, the Senate promised a ₦50 million donation for relatives of those who died in the kidnapping of school children and teachers in Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the declaration and also commended President Bola Tinubu, the military, and other security agencies for their efforts in rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers.
Two of the three teachers kidnapped were killed while in captivity. Michael Oyedokun was beheaded a few days after being taken, while Pastor John Olaleye was also killed by the abductors.
Three security officers also lost their lives during the rescue operation in separate exchanges of fire with the kidnappers.
The fallen officers were identified as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349) of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604) of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to Mr. Akpabio, each of the five bereaved families will get ₦10 million to assist the children and dependents left behind.
“We are giving a token of ₦50 million to be shared among the five families of the deceased, the two teachers and the three operatives, ₦10 million each,” he said.
He expressed sympathy to the grieving families and asked Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to supervise the disbursement of the cheques.
The abducted school children and their teacher were freed last Friday, July 10, following a joint operation by the military and other security agencies. They had spent 56 days in captivity.
The rescue and the deaths of the teachers and security personnel were also discussed during Tuesday’s plenary. Senators observed a minute of silence in their honour and sent condolences to their families.
The lawmakers further warned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against inviting foreign human rights groups to probe the incident.
They said seeking help from international bodies, including the United Nations, could weaken the federal government’s push to address insecurity.
