Oyo rescue operation: Senate awards ₦50m to families of fallen heroes

The Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation for the families of five Nigerians who died during the operation that rescued schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State.

The decision was announced on Wednesday after a proposal by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. Under the arrangement, each of the five affected families will receive ₦10 million.

Akpabio recalled that the Senate had earlier praised President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for successfully rescuing the pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.

He also commended 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.

According to him, although the operation ended successfully, it came with the loss of security personnel and teachers.

The deceased security officers 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 while in captivity were Deacon John Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun.

Akpabio said the donation was meant to appreciate their sacrifice and support their families.

The proposal was adopted through a voice vote, with senators unanimously backing the donation.

The Senate President later 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 would provide some relief to the families and show the Senate’s appreciation for the sacrifices made by the fallen security personnel and teachers.