Senate donates ₦50m to families of teachers, soldiers killed in Oriire school abduction

Senate donates ₦50m to families of teachers, soldiers killed in Oriire school abduction

The Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during the Oriire school abduction in Oyo State, describing their deaths as a painful sacrifice in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity.

The donation was announced on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, where lawmakers also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing abducted pupils, teachers and caregivers after 56 days in captivity.

According to Akpabio, ₦10 million will be presented to each of the families of the two teachers murdered by the kidnappers and the three soldiers who died during the rescue operation, bringing the total support package to ₦50 million.

He said the financial assistance is intended to provide some relief to the bereaved families while recognising the courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the line of duty and in service to education.

“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. This support reflects the Senate’s appreciation of their courage and our solidarity with their families during this difficult period,” Akpabio said.

The victims were among those affected by the May 15, 2026 attack on two schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed kidnappers abducted more than 45 pupils, teachers and caregivers, triggering nationwide outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities.

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According to reports, one teacher was shot dead during the attack on the school premises, while another was later killed by the abductors during captivity. Three soldiers also lost their lives while participating in the intelligence-led military operation that eventually secured the victims’ freedom.

The abductees spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued through a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, intelligence agencies and other security operatives.

Security authorities have described the operation as an intelligence-driven mission that relied on sustained surveillance and coordinated tactical operations rather than the payment of ransom, resulting in the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

During plenary, senators praised the professionalism, resilience and bravery displayed by the Armed Forces and other security agencies throughout the rescue mission, noting that the successful operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led security strategies against kidnapping and terrorism.

The Senate had earlier observed a minute’s silence in honour of the slain teachers and soldiers and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military high command and all security personnel involved in the rescue operation.

Lawmakers reiterated their commitment to supporting policies, legislation and adequate funding aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, improving intelligence gathering and enhancing the protection of schools under the Safe Schools Initiative.

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to improve welfare packages, insurance benefits and compensation for military personnel and other security operatives deployed to high-risk operations across the country.

The donation comes amid growing calls from education stakeholders, security experts and civil society organisations for increased investment in school security, surveillance infrastructure and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.

The Senate maintained that while the successful rescue brought relief to many families, the deaths of the teachers and soldiers underscore the enormous sacrifices being made by educators and security personnel in safeguarding lives and protecting the nation’s future.

Senate donates ₦50m to families of teachers, soldiers killed in Oriire school abduction