By Anayo Akwitti
The Senate has announced a ₦50 million donation to the families of security personnel and teachers who lost their lives during the military operation to rescue pupils and staff abducted from a school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, as lawmakers commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims after 56 days in captivity.
According to Akpabio, the Senate approved the donation as a token of support for the bereaved families, with ₦10 million each to be presented to the next of kin of the five victims.
Recalls, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, had disclosed that three military personnel were killed during the month-long operation to dismantle the Ansaru terrorist network operating within the Old Oyo National Park.
Several local hunters and Amotekun Corps operatives who supported the joint security operation also reportedly lost their lives during the rescue mission.
Paying tribute to the fallen personnel and teachers, Akpabio said the Senate’s intervention was intended to provide financial support to their families and honour the sacrifices made in the service of the nation and the protection of innocent Nigerians.
