Oriire kidnap: Senate donates N50M to fallen officers, teachers’ families

The Senate on Wednesday approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the rescue of ORIIRE schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

The decision followed an announcement by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio during plenary, where lawmakers unanimously agreed to provide ₦10 million to each of the families of the three security personnel and two teachers killed in the rescue operation.

Akpabio recalled that the Senate had, a day earlier, commended President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted children and teachers.

He praised the efforts of 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, whom he described as the Commander-in-Chief who led the operation.

According to him, while the operation ended with the safe rescue of the victims, it came at a heavy cost.

The Senate President identified the fallen security personnel 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.

He also identified the slain teachers as Deacon John Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun, noting that both were murdered while in captivity with the abducted children.

Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers before the rescue operation.

Akpabio explained that each family would receive ₦10 million to support the children and dependants left behind by the deceased.

Seeking the approval of senators, Akpabio put the proposal to a voice vote.

The motion received overwhelming support, with lawmakers unanimously endorsing the donation.

Akpabio subsequently directed the Senate leadership to present the cheques to the affected families on behalf of the upper chamber.

He expressed hope that the financial support, though symbolic, would provide some relief to the bereaved families and reaffirm the Senate’s appreciation for the sacrifices made by the fallen security personnel and teachers.