JUST IN: Senate Donates #50 million to Families of Teachers, Soldiers Killed in Oriire School Abduction

The Nigerian Senate has approved a donation of ₦50 million to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The upper chamber described the deaths of the victims as a painful sacrifice in the nation’s fight against insecurity. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during Wednesday’s plenary while commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers after nearly two months in captivity.

Akpabio said ₦10 million would be presented to each of the families of the two teachers killed by the abductors and the three soldiers who died during the rescue operation. He explained that the gesture was intended to support the bereaved families and honour the sacrifices made by the deceased.

The victims were among those affected by the abduction of more than 45 pupils and teachers from two schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the security of schools, particularly in rural communities.

According to reports, one teacher was shot dead during the attack on the school, while another was beheaded after being held captive by the kidnappers. The abducted pupils and teachers spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued in a coordinated operation involving the military and other security agencies.

The Senate had earlier commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue mission, describing it as a demonstration of courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians.

Lawmakers on Tuesday also observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased teachers and soldiers, noting that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. The Senate further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting measures aimed at strengthening security across the country and preventing future attacks on educational institutions.

The donation comes amid growing calls for enhanced protection of schools and vulnerable communities, as well as improved welfare packages for security personnel involved in high-risk operations across the country.

Source: News Whistler