Senate Approves ₦50m Support For Families Of Officers, Teachers Killed In Oriire Rescue Mission

The Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the rescue operation that secured the release of abducted schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

The resolution was reached during Wednesday’s plenary following a proposal by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who announced that each of the five bereaved families would receive ₦10 million in support.

Akpabio recalled that the Senate had earlier commended President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

He also praised the Chief of Army Staff, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of Defence and President Tinubu for their roles in the operation.

According to the Senate President, the rescue mission, though successful, claimed the lives of three security personnel and two teachers.

The fallen security operatives were identified as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

The two teachers were identified as Deacon John Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun, who were killed while in captivity with the abducted schoolchildren. Akpabio disclosed that Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers before the rescue operation.

He said the financial support was intended to assist the children and dependants of the deceased while recognising their sacrifice in the service of the nation.

The proposal received unanimous approval through a voice vote by senators.

Following the resolution, Akpabio directed the leadership of the Senate to present the cheques to the affected families on behalf of the upper legislative chamber.

He described the donation as a symbolic gesture aimed at providing relief to the bereaved families and honouring the courage and sacrifice of the fallen security personnel and teachers.