Senate approves ₦50m support for families of security officers, teachers who died in Oyo rescue

The Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the operation that rescued pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

The resolution was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary following a proposal by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Under the arrangement, each of the five affected families will receive ₦10 million.

Akpabio recalled that the Senate had earlier commended President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and their 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, although the rescue mission was successful, it came with the loss of three security personnel and two teachers.

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

The two teachers who died during the incident were identified as Deacon John Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun.

Akpabio said the financial support was intended to assist the families and dependants of the deceased while recognising their sacrifice.

The proposal was unanimously adopted through a voice vote, after which the Senate President directed the leadership of the upper chamber to present the cheques to the affected families.