By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Nigerian senate has announced a N50 million donation to the families of two slain teachers and three security personnel during the abduction and rescue operation of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Wednesday, said each of the five bereaved families would receive N10 million from the upper legislative chamber.
The donation was announced days after security agencies rescued the abducted schoolchildren and teachers following about 56 days in captivity.
Three military officers — F.A. Isaac, Silas Musa and Abena John Jerome were lost during the rescue operation while two teachers — Michael Oyedokun and John Olaleye — also lost their lives during the abduction.
Senator Akpabio recalled that the senate had, on Tuesday, commended President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for the successful rescue operation.
He said the senate also recognised the sacrifices made by security personnel who died during the mission.
“We also noted the fact that three of the personnel who went for rescue operations lost their lives in the course of trying to rescue those children,” Akpabio said.
“An army lieutenant from Adamawa was killed, a police sergeant was killed, another private soldier was killed, and many people were wounded.”
He further added that two teachers who were abducted alongside the pupils were also killed while in captivity.
“So, we have taken the motion to applaud the government, we applauded the security agencies, and we are pleading that the same be extended to any other part of the country, wherever there may be any Nigerian in captivity,” he said.
“So today we just felt, after a discussion with the leaders, that we are going to also support the victims’ families. Like the young lieutenant was just 28 years old.
“So we are sending a token of N50 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. N10 million each on behalf of the senate.”
The proposal was adopted by voice vote.
Akpabio subsequently directed Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, to present the cheques to the bereaved families on behalf of the senate.
