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Senate approves a ₦50 million support package for the families of two teachers and three security personnel who lost their lives during the Oyo school abduction and rescue operation.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio says the intervention is a tribute to the courage and ultimate sacrifice of the fallen heroes who gave their lives to save abducted pupils and teachers.
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Lawmakers commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies for rescuing the kidnapped pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity, describing the operation as a major victory against terrorism.
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Senate urges the Federal Government to strengthen the welfare, equipment, and operational capacity of security agencies while sustaining intensified offensives against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal groups across the country.
July 15, (THEWILL) — The Senate on Wednesday took a significant step to honour the memory of those who lost their lives during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, approving financial support for their families and describing the deceased as heroes who paid the ultimate price in the nation’s fight against insecurity.
The resolution followed the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity, with lawmakers saying the nation must not celebrate the operation without remembering the lives lost in securing the victims’ freedom.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, announced during plenary that the upper chamber had approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five victims, with ₦10 million to be presented to each family as a token of the Senate’s appreciation and solidarity.
Describing the deaths as a painful sacrifice in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime, Akpabio said the Senate considered it necessary to support the bereaved families while recognising the courage and selflessness of the deceased.
He noted that no financial assistance could replace the lives that were lost but expressed hope that the intervention would provide some comfort to the grieving families.
According to the Senate President, the beneficiaries comprise the families of two teachers and three security personnel who died during the school attack and the subsequent rescue operation.
Teachers, Soldiers Honoured
The two teachers identified by the Senate are Michael Oyedokun, who was beheaded by his abductors while in captivity, and John Olaleye, who, according to the school principal, was shot dead during the attack on the school premises.
Also honoured were Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, who lost their lives while participating in the military operation that eventually secured the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Lawmakers described the five deceased as patriots whose sacrifices ensured that dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers returned home alive.
The Senate commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies for their professionalism, courage, and coordinated efforts that culminated in the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
Lawmakers noted that the operation reflected improved collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions in confronting terrorism and kidnapping.
However, they stressed that the successful operation came at a heavy price, with security personnel making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, while one of the abducted teachers also lost his life at the hands of the kidnappers.
The Senate said the heroism displayed by the fallen personnel underscored the dangers regularly faced by security operatives in protecting lives and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
The upper chamber reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stressing that personnel risking their lives to defend the country deserve adequate support.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to continue investing in modern security equipment, intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, logistics, and improved welfare packages to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal groups.
They also called for sustained support for the families of security personnel who lose their lives in active service, saying such sacrifices should never go unnoticed or unrewarded.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
