Oriire abduction: Senate donate N50m to families of deceased
By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Senate on Wednesday approved a donation of N50 million to the families of five people who lost their lives during the rescue operation that secured the freedom of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The upper chamber described the victims’ deaths as a heroic sacrifice in the fight against insecurity and approved N10 million for each of the five bereaved families.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the donation during plenary while commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
Akpabio said, “The Senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased.”
He directed that each of the deceased families be given N10 million.
The approval followed the adoption of a motion sponsored on Tuesday by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), who praised President Bola Tinubu, the military and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation.
Moving the motion, Bamidele recalled the widespread concern that followed the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers, describing the incident as a troubling indication of the spread of organised criminal activities into the South-West region.
According to him, President Tinubu immediately directed security agencies to deploy all lawful resources to secure the victims’ release.
The intelligence-led operation eventually resulted in the rescue of the captives on July 10, the killing of several criminals and the arrest of eight suspected terrorists.
“The successful rescue has restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities,” the Senate resolution noted, adding that it sends an unmistakable message that criminals have no haven in Nigeria.
The Senate also urged the appropriate authorities to provide the highest level of medical treatment and welfare support for Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion, who sustained serious injuries while shielding the abducted children from gunfire during the operation.
Lawmakers paid tribute to the three soldiers, Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, as well as two teachers who lost their lives during the rescue mission.
The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen heroes and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security, improving the safety of schools and vulnerable communities, and enhancing the welfare of security personnel involved in high-risk operations.