The Senate on Wednesday approved a ₦50 million intervention fund for the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the recent school abduction crisis in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The approval, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, is aimed at providing financial relief to the bereaved families of two teachers murdered by kidnappers and three soldiers who paid the supreme price during the military operation that secured the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Under the intervention package, each of the five affected families will receive ₦10 million as a token of support from the upper legislative chamber.
Describing the deaths of the victims as a tragic reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, Akpabio said the nation would forever honour their sacrifice and courage.
He stressed that while no amount of money could compensate for the loss of loved ones, the intervention was intended to cushion the economic hardship facing the dependants of the deceased and demonstrate the nation’s appreciation for their sacrifice.
The Senate President also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies involved in the operation for their professionalism, resilience, tactical expertise and unwavering commitment, noting that their efforts culminated in the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after nearly two months in captivity.
The lawmakers observed a minute of silence in memory of the fallen teachers and soldiers, praying for the repose of their souls and strength for their grieving families.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to fast-track the deployment of modern surveillance technology and other proactive security measures to schools and other vulnerable communities across the country in order to prevent similar incidents.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling insecurity, the upper legislative chamber pledged continued collaboration with the Executive arm of government to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and ensure tougher sanctions, including stricter penalties for kidnapping, banditry and related violent crimes.
The intervention comes in the wake of the successful rescue of the Oriire school pupils and teachers, whose release brought an end to nearly two months of anxiety for their families, the Oyo State Government and Nigerians at large.
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