Senate Approves N50m Relief for Families of Teachers and Soldiers Killed in Oriire

The Senate on Wednesday approved a donation of N50 million to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in the Oriire local government area of Oyo State.

The lawmakers described their deaths as a painful sacrifice in the nation’s fight against insecurity.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the donation during plenary while commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted victims after nearly two months in captivity.

Akpabio disclosed that N10 million would be given to each of the families of the two teachers murdered by the abductors and the three soldiers who died during the rescue operation.

He said the gesture was aimed at providing some support to the bereaved families and recognising the sacrifices made by the deceased in the course of the tragic incident.

The victims were among those affected by the abduction of more than 45 pupils and teachers from two schools in the Oriire local government area on May 15.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the security of schools, particularly in rural communities.

According to reports, one of the teachers was shot dead by the gunmen during the attack on the school premises, while another was beheaded after being held captive by the abductors.

The abducted pupils and teachers spent 56 days in captivity in a forest hideout before they were eventually rescued by security operatives in a coordinated operation involving the military and other security agencies.

The Senate had earlier commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Armed Forces and security agencies for the successful rescue mission, describing it as a demonstration of courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians.

The lawmakers had on Tuesday observed a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased teachers and soldiers, noting that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

The upper chamber also reiterated its commitment to supporting measures aimed at strengthening security across the country and preventing future attacks on educational institutions.

The donation comes amid calls for enhanced protection of schools and vulnerable communities, as well as improved welfare packages for security personnel engaged in high-risk operations across the country.