President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has announced a donation of 50 million naira as a support package for five families affected by the recent abduction incident in Oriire local government area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the development during plenary on Wednesday, stating that the financial support is part of efforts to provide support to the affected families following the tragic incident.
According to him, N10 million is for each of the families of the three servicemen who lost their lives during the rescue operation, as well as the families of the two teachers who were killed.
The package forms part of the Senate’s response to the incident, as lawmakers called for intensified support to the bereaved and for coordinated efforts by security agencies to ensure the rescue of other kidnapped victims in other parts of the country.
However, raising a point of order during plenary, Sen. Abdul Ningi called on the Senate to ensure that compensation for victims of recent attacks is extended to all affected citizens, warning against any form of discrimination.
The Senate, on Tuesday, urged Governor Seyi Makinde to withdraw call on the United Nations, UN, to investigate the kidnapping of school children in Oriire LGA.
Governor Makinde, had officially named the eight persons who lost their lives during the 56-day kidnapping ordeal involving pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would never be forgotten.
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‎The governor, while mourning the teachers and security operatives who lost their lives in the incident, said while the safe return of the victims was a source of joy, the state was also grieving the painful loss of innocent civilians and security personnel who paid the supreme price in the course of the rescue operation.
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‎Makinde identified the deceased teachers as Mr. Joel Adeshiyan, who was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises; Mr. John Olaleye, who died while in captivity; and Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose killing by the kidnappers was captured in a video that circulated widely across the country.
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‎The governor also honoured the five security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission.
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‎They include Lieutenant Isaac, Mr. Adigun Suibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba, and another soldier who died in the line of duty while pursuing the abductors.
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‎Makinde said the sacrifices of the deceased reflected the courage and commitment of those who stood against criminality to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.