The Nigerian Senate has approved a N50 million donation to support the families of five people who lost their lives during the tragic abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session. Under the approval, each of the five affected families will receive N10 million as financial assistance and in recognition of the sacrifices made by their loved ones.
The beneficiaries include the families of two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and John Olaleye, as well as three soldiers—Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome. The Senate said the donation is meant to ease the burden on the grieving families while honoring the courage and dedication of those who died during the unfortunate incident.
Akpabio described the deaths of the teachers and soldiers as painful reminders of the challenges Nigeria continues to face in its fight against insecurity. He praised the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing the kidnapped pupils and teachers after they spent 56 days in captivity.
The tragic incident began on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Ahoro Esiele/Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The affected schools were Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. During the attack, several pupils and teachers were taken away by the kidnappers.
According to the school principal, teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded while being held captive by the kidnappers. Another teacher, John Olaleye, was shot during the attack on the school. The three soldiers later lost their lives while taking part in the military operation that eventually led to the rescue of the kidnapped victims.
Last Friday, the Presidency confirmed that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been safely rescued. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said security agencies carried out the successful operation without making any concessions to the kidnappers.
He explained that although the kidnappers demanded the release of one of their leaders, the government refused the request. The suspect remains in custody and is currently facing prosecution for alleged criminal offences.
The successful rescue ended nearly two months of uncertainty for the victims and their families. However, the operation came at a heavy cost with the loss of three military personnel who participated in the mission.
School abductions remain one of the biggest security concerns facing Nigeria’s education sector. Over the years, thousands of students have been affected by attacks on schools, especially in rural communities.
According to Save the Children International, at least 1,683 learners were kidnapped across Nigeria between 2014 and 2022. UNICEF also reported that insecurity forced the closure of 11,536 schools during the 2020/2021 academic session, disrupting education for about 1.3 million children.
Although security agencies have recorded several successful rescue operations, attacks on schools and communities continue to threaten access to education in different parts of the country.
The Senate’s approval of the N50 million donation highlights the nation’s appreciation for those who paid the ultimate price while protecting innocent lives. It also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security measures and ensure schools remain safe for pupils, teachers, and communities across Nigeria.
