• CDWR urges govt to secure release of Nigerians still in kidnappers’ captivity
• Yoruba group in Diaspora seeks stronger security measures in Nigeria
• CMD says privacy of rescued children must be protected, 35 victims discharged

The Senate, yesterday, approved a N50 million donation to the families of five Nigerians who lost their lives during the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

The decision followed an announcement by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, where lawmakers unanimously agreed to provide N10 million each to the families of the three security personnel and two teachers killed in the rescue operation.

Akpabio praised the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of Defence and President Tinubu, whom he described as the Commander-in-Chief who led the operation.

According to him, while the operation ended with the safe rescue of the victims, it came at a high cost.

The Senate President identified the fallen security personnel as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

He also identified the slain teachers as Deacon Olaleye and Michael Oyedokun.

Akpabio subsequently directed the Senate leadership to present the cheques to the affected families on behalf of the Upper Chamber.

He expressed hope that the financial support would provide some relief to the bereaved families.

However, the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), Oyo State chapter, has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue hundreds of other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers across the country.

The group described the release of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Council as evidence of the impact of sustained public pressure.

Its State Coordinator, Bamigboye Abiodun, said: “We hold that the successful release of the abductees demonstrates the power of sustained public and workers’ pressure in compelling government and the security agencies to act with greater urgency and seriousness.”

Similarly, the National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America, popularly known as Egbe Omo Yoruba of North America, has called for stronger and sustained security measures in Nigeria, following the successful rescue of abducted teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State.

In a statement signed by its National President, Dr Ayodeji Famuyide, and National General Secretary, Rotimi Kuteyi, yesterday, the group said the Ogbomoso abduction should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to strengthen preventive security frameworks rather than relying solely on rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, yesterday, appealed to journalists and members of the public to respect the privacy of the rescued teachers and schoolchildren, warning that undue exposure could undermine their psychological recovery.

Olakulehin said exposing the children to crowds or media cameras at this delicate stage could trigger fear, anxiety and emotional distress, thereby slowing their recovery from the traumatic experience.

The CMD, while speaking during a media briefing on the condition of the rescued victims, disclosed that all those brought to the hospital underwent comprehensive medical and psychological assessments immediately after arriving at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday.

He said doctors, psychologists and other healthcare professionals worked through the night to evaluate the physical and mental condition of each victim before commencing appropriate treatment.

According to him, 35 victims have so far been discharged after being certified medically fit and reunited with their families.