The Nigerian Senate has approved a donation of ₦50 million to the families of two teachers and three security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation that secured the freedom of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The decision was announced during Wednesday’s plenary by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who described the deceased as national heroes whose sacrifices made the successful rescue of the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers possible.
Under the arrangement approved by the upper legislative chamber, each of the five bereaved families will receive ₦10 million as a token of appreciation and support from the Senate in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones in the line of duty.
Akpabio noted that the financial support followed discussions among Senate leaders after lawmakers had earlier commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the victims who spent 56 days in captivity.
According to the Senate President, while Nigerians celebrated the return of the abducted pupils and teachers, the country must not forget the courage and selflessness of those who paid the supreme price during the operation.
“We are sending a token of ₦50 million to them, to be divided among the five deceased families—the families of the two teachers and the families of the three operatives who lost their lives,” Akpabio stated during the plenary.
The Senate identified the fallen security personnel as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force. The two teachers who lost their lives during the tragic incident were identified as Michael Oyedokun and John Olaleye.
Lawmakers observed that the rescue mission demonstrated the commitment of Nigeria’s security agencies to protecting lives and restoring confidence in the nation’s educational system, despite the enormous risks involved.
The Senate also reiterated its call for sustained investment in intelligence gathering, modern surveillance equipment, improved logistics and enhanced welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies engaged in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Beyond the financial donation, senators urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of all statutory benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel, stressing that the nation must continue to honour citizens who make extraordinary sacrifices in defence of others.
The Senate further appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of preventing future attacks on schools and communities, noting that collective vigilance remains critical in the fight against insecurity.
The donation comes days after security operatives successfully rescued dozens of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, bringing an end to nearly two months of anxiety for affected families and the nation’s education community. The successful operation has continued to attract commendations from education stakeholders, government officials and members of the public, while reigniting calls for stronger security measures to protect schools across Nigeria.
