Oyo Abduction: Senate Donates N50m To Families Of Fallen Heroes

The Senate on Wednesday announced a donation of N50 million to the families of five heroes who lost their lives during the kidnap and rescue of schoolchildren in the Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State.

The lawmakers had on Tuesday formally paid tribute to the fallen heroes, commending the operational discipline and renewed inter-agency collaboration that led to the successful rescue of the children.

Daily Trust reports that the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted in the Oriire LGA of Oyo State were recently rescued by security operatives.

During the operation, Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349) of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604) of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force reportedly lost their lives. Two teachers were also killed during the incident.

Announcing the donation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased.

He directed that each of the deceased families be given N10 million.

Earlier, a motion sponsored on Tuesday by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) recalled the national shock that greeted the May 15 abductions, describing them as a “disturbing expansion of organized criminal activities” into the South-West.

According to him, following an immediate directive from President Bola Tinubu to deploy every lawful resource, Nigeria’s security forces launched a grueling, intelligence-driven campaign. On July 10, the joint forces finally struck, neutralizing several criminals and arresting eight terrorists.

“The successful rescue… has restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities,” the Senate resolution noted, adding that it sends an “unmistakable message” that criminals have no safe haven in Nigeria.

The Senate also urged authorities to provide the highest standard of medical care and full welfare packages to Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion, who sustained severe injuries while shielding the children from gunfire.

To ensure this victory marks a permanent turning point, the Upper Chamber adopted several key resolutions, urging the Federal Government to sustain the momentum by intensifying military operations through the deployment of advanced surveillance technology, modern equipment, and enhanced intelligence capabilities.