PRESIDENT of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has announced a donation of ₦50 million as a support package for five families affected by the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
News Point Nigeria reports that Akpabio disclosed the development during plenary on Wednesday, stating that the financial assistance forms part of efforts to support the affected families in the aftermath of the tragic incident.
According to the Senate President, ₦10 million has been earmarked 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.
He explained that the intervention is part of the Senate’s response to the incident, amid calls by lawmakers for increased support for the bereaved families and coordinated efforts by security agencies to secure the release of other kidnapped victims in different parts of the country.
The Senate’s gesture came as concerns continued to mount over the rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks across the country.
However, raising a point of order during plenary, Senator Abdul Ningi urged the upper chamber to ensure that compensation for victims of recent attacks is extended to all affected citizens, warning against any form of discrimination.
Ningi argued that any compensation package approved by the Senate should be holistic and inclusive rather than restricted to selected categories of victims.
He maintained that every citizen who suffered losses as a result of the incident deserves equal consideration and support from the government.
