The Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation to support the families of two teachers killed during captivity and three security operatives who lost their lives while rescuing abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during plenary on Wednesday, commending the Armed Forces, security agencies, and President Bola Tinubu for their roles in the successful rescue of the children, who had spent about 56 days in captivity.
Akpabio praised the Chief of Defence 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 coordination of the rescue operation.
He noted that the mission came at a high cost, with three military personnel making the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to free the abducted pupils.
“We also noted the fact that three of the personnel who went for the rescue operations lost their lives because of trying to rescue those children,” Akpabio said.
He further disclosed that two teachers who were held captive alongside the schoolchildren were killed during the ordeal.
According to the Senate President, the upper chamber unanimously resolved to provide financial assistance to the bereaved families as a gesture of solidarity and appreciation for their sacrifices.
Akpabio also urged security agencies to sustain efforts to rescue victims of abduction across the country, stressing that the same level of commitment should be extended to all regions facing similar security challenges.
Meanwhile, the decision was put to a voice vote with lawmakers expressing support for the donation.