Senate Approves ₦50m for Families of Security Personnel, Teachers Killed in Oyo Operation

The Senate on Wednesday approved a ₦50 million support package for the families of five Nigerians who died during the operation that secured the release of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

The decision was reached during plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio presented the proposal before lawmakers. The Senate gave its approval through a voice vote, with each of the five affected families set to receive ₦10 million.

The support package is for three security personnel and two teachers who lost their lives in the course of the rescue mission. The security officers were Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

The two teachers who died while in captivity were identified as Deacon John Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun.

During the session, Akpabio recalled that the Senate had earlier applauded President Bola Tinubu and the country’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the kidnapped pupils and their teachers.

He also commended 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 carrying out the operation.

Akpabio said the mission achieved its goal of freeing the victims but came with the painful loss of security officers and teachers who paid the ultimate price.

To honour their service and sacrifice, the Senate agreed to provide financial assistance to their families. Under the resolution, each of the five families will receive ₦10 million to help support the dependants of the deceased.

Following the approval, Akpabio directed the Senate leadership to arrange the presentation of the cheques to the affected families on behalf of the upper legislative chamber.

The Senate said the donation is meant to show its appreciation for the commitment and courage of the fallen security personnel and teachers, while also providing some assistance to their loved ones.