The Senate on Wednesday approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the operation that rescued schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
The upper chamber unanimously endorsed the gesture after Senate President Godswill Akpabio proposed that each of the five bereaved families receive ₦10 million in recognition of the sacrifices made by their loved ones.
Announcing the decision during plenary, Akpabio recalled that the Senate had, a day earlier, applauded President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for securing the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
He commended 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, describing the successful operation as a product of coordinated efforts under the Commander-in-Chief.
Akpabio, however, noted that the rescue came at a painful cost, with three security operatives and two teachers paying the ultimate price.
He identified the fallen security personnel as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349) of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604) of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force.
The two teachers were identified as Deacon Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun, both of whom were killed while in captivity alongside the abducted schoolchildren. Akpabio disclosed that Oyedokun was beheaded by the kidnappers before the rescue operation.
“In appreciation of their sacrifice, the Senate has resolved to send a token of ₦50 million to be shared equally among the five bereaved families,” Akpabio said.
He explained that each family would receive ₦10 million to assist the children and dependants left behind by the deceased.
Putting the proposal to a voice vote, the Senate President asked lawmakers to signify their approval, and the motion received unanimous support.
Following the endorsement, Akpabio directed the leadership of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of the cheques to the affected families on behalf of the upper chamber.
He expressed hope that although the financial support was symbolic, it would offer some relief to the bereaved families and serve as a lasting recognition of the courage and sacrifice of the fallen security personnel and teachers.