The Senate on Wednesday approved a donation of N50 million to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during the rescue operation that followed the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The upper chamber described their deaths as a painful sacrifice in the nation’s fight against insecurity, with each of the five bereaved families to receive N10 million.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the donation during plenary while commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.

Akpabio said, “The Senate took the decision to augment the upkeep of the children left behind by the deceased.”

He directed that “each of the deceased families be given N10 million.”

The donation followed the Senate’s adoption of a motion moved on Tuesday by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), which commended President Bola Tinubu, the military and other security agencies for the successful rescue mission.

In the motion, Bamidele recalled the national shock that greeted the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers, describing it as a “disturbing expansion of organised criminal activities” into the South-West.

According to him, following an immediate directive by President Tinubu to deploy every lawful resource, security agencies launched an intensive intelligence-driven operation that culminated in the July 10 rescue of the victims, the neutralisation of several criminals and the arrest of eight suspected terrorists.

“The successful rescue has restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities,” the Senate resolution noted, adding that it sends an “unmistakable message” that criminals have no haven in Nigeria.

The Senate also urged the relevant authorities to provide the highest standard of medical care and comprehensive welfare support for Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion, who sustained severe injuries while shielding the abducted children from gunfire during the operation.

The lawmakers paid tribute to the three soldiers who died during the rescue mission — Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa and Sergeant Abena John Jerome — as well as the two teachers who also lost their lives.

The victims were among those affected by the abduction of more than 45 pupils and teachers from two schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities.

The abducted pupils and teachers spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued in a coordinated operation involving the military and other security agencies.

On Tuesday, senators observed a minute’s silence in honour of the slain teachers and soldiers, saying their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

The Senate also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting measures aimed at strengthening security across the country, improving the protection of schools and vulnerable communities, and enhancing the welfare of security personnel engaged in high-risk operations.