ABUJA: The Senate has approved a ₦50 million support package for the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the operation that secured the release of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
The resolution was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion proposed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who described the fallen security operatives and teachers as national heroes whose sacrifices should never be forgotten.
Under the arrangement, each of the five bereaved families will receive ₦10 million from the National Assembly as a gesture of appreciation and support.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Akpabio recalled that lawmakers had earlier commended President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
He praised the coordinated efforts of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Defence and President Tinubu, saying their collaboration made the rescue operation possible.
However, the Senate President noted that the success of the mission came at a heavy price, with members of the security forces and teachers paying the ultimate sacrifice.
Akpabio identified the deceased security personnel as:
- Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army
- Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army
- Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force
He also named the two teachers who lost their lives while in captivity as:
- Deacon John Olaleye
- Michael Oyedokun
According to him, the Senate’s donation is intended to honour their courage and provide financial relief to the families they left behind.
In appreciation of their sacrifice, the Senate has resolved to donate ₦50 million to be shared equally among the five bereaved families,” Akpabio said.
He explained that each family would receive ₦10 million to support the dependants of the deceased.
The proposal received overwhelming support from lawmakers and was adopted through a voice vote without opposition.
Following its approval, Akpabio directed the Senate leadership to facilitate the presentation of the cheques to the affected families on behalf of the upper legislative chamber.
He expressed hope that although the financial assistance could not replace the lives lost, it would serve as a meaningful gesture of gratitude from the Nigerian people and provide some comfort to the bereaved families.
The Senate’s decision underscores the legislature’s recognition of the sacrifices made by security personnel and civilians involved in protecting lives during the Oyo rescue operation.
The intervention comes as Nigerians continue to commend the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren while mourning the officers and teachers who lost their lives in the process.
