The Senate on Wednesday approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the rescue operation that secured the release of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
The resolution followed a proposal by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, with lawmakers unanimously endorsing the donation. Each of the five bereaved families will receive ₦10 million.
Speaking during the session, Akpabio recalled that the Senate had on Tuesday commended President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
He also praised the Chief of Army Staff, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of Defence and President Tinubu for their roles in the operation.
Akpabio noted that although the rescue mission was successful, it came at a heavy cost with the loss of three security personnel and two teachers.
The deceased security personnel 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 in captivity were identified as Deacon John Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun.
“In appreciation of their sacrifice, the Senate has resolved to donate ₦50 million to be shared equally among the five bereaved families,” Akpabio said.
He explained that each family would receive ₦10 million to support the dependants of the deceased.
The proposal was adopted through a voice vote, after which Akpabio directed the Senate leadership to present the cheques to the affected families on behalf of the upper legislative chamber.
He expressed hope that the financial support, though symbolic, would provide some relief to the bereaved families while recognising the sacrifices made by the fallen security personnel and teachers.