The Senate has 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 decision was reached during Wednesday’s plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio proposed that the upper chamber provide financial support to the bereaved families. Senators unanimously backed the motion, with ₦10 million to be paid to each family.
Akpabio recalled that the Senate had earlier commended President Bola Tinubu and the country’s security agencies for successfully rescuing the abducted pupils 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 rescue mission.
While describing the operation as a success, Akpabio noted that it came at a heavy cost, with three security personnel and two teachers losing their lives.
The fallen 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 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 added that the financial support was intended to assist the dependants of the deceased and acknowledge their sacrifice in service to the nation.
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 chamber.
He expressed hope that, although symbolic, the donation would provide some relief to the families while reflecting the Senate’s appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by the fallen security personnel and teachers.
