Senate Approves N50m Relief Package for Families of Teachers, Soldiers Killed in Oyo School Kidnap Tragedy

The Senate has approved a N50 million donation to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, in a move aimed at honouring their sacrifice and supporting their loved ones.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the intervention during plenary on Wednesday, describing the deaths as a painful reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insecurity.

Akpabio praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers after spending 56 days in captivity. He noted that the rescue operation demonstrated the commitment of security personnel to protecting lives, despite the risks involved.

According to him, each of the five bereaved families will receive N10 million, bringing the total donation to N50 million. The beneficiaries include the families of two teachers and three soldiers who died as a result of the abduction and subsequent rescue operation.

The deceased teachers were identified as Michael Oyedokun and John Olaleye. Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded by the abductors while being held captive, while Olaleye was said to have been shot dead during the attack on the school, according to the school principal.

The fallen military personnel were identified as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, who lost their lives while participating in the mission to rescue the victims.

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Akpabio said the financial support was intended not only to ease the burden on the affected families but also to acknowledge the courage and ultimate sacrifice of those who died during the tragic incident.

The victims were among those caught up in the abduction of pupils and teachers from two schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, an incident that sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities across the country.

The Senate President reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for efforts to combat insecurity, stressing the need to continue strengthening security operations to prevent similar tragedies and ensure the safety of Nigerians.