Oyo rescue: Senate approves N50m support for families of slain soldiers, teachers
By: Oluwaseun M. Lawal
The Senate has approved a N50 million support package for the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the military operation that rescued abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
It is money meant to honour sacrifice. And perhaps, offer a little relief to the loved ones left behind.
Under the decision announced on Wednesday, each of the five bereaved families will receive N10 million. The beneficiaries are the families of three soldiers and two teachers who died during the mission that eventually secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the intervention was aimed at helping care for the children and dependants of those who paid the ultimate price while the rescue operation was underway.
The approval followed the Senate’s adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who recalled how the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers sent shockwaves across the country. The incident, he noted, raised fresh fears about the growing reach of armed criminal groups into parts of the South-West.
According to lawmakers, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to use every lawful means available to secure the victims. Weeks later, a coordinated intelligence-driven operation led to their rescue, while several suspected kidnappers were killed and eight others arrested.
For many parents, it was a moment of relief. A long wait had finally ended.
The Senate said the successful operation has helped restore public confidence and also delivered a clear warning that criminal groups would not be allowed to operate freely anywhere in the country.
Lawmakers also urged the relevant authorities to ensure Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain receives the best medical care and welfare support after he suffered serious gunshot injuries while shielding the abducted children during the operation.
The chamber paid tribute to Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, as well as the two teachers who died during the rescue effort. Senators described their deaths as a painful reminder of the risks security personnel and civilians sometimes face in the line of duty.
The abduction of more than 45 pupils and teachers from two schools in Oriire on May 15 had sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over the safety of schools, especially in remote communities. Their eventual rescue after nearly two months in captivity was welcomed across the country, although it came with a heavy cost.
The Senate also reaffirmed its commitment to measures aimed at strengthening national security, improving the protection of schools and vulnerable communities, and enhancing the welfare of security personnel deployed to high-risk operations. Because, as several lawmakers argued, preventing the next tragedy is just as important as responding to the last one.
Oluwaseun Musa Lawal is an Editor at REPORTERS ROOM with over eight years of professional journalism experience. He specializes in reporting on politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial affairs. His work is driven by a commitment to accuracy, balanced reporting, and public-interest journalism.
