Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis
The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday called on the Federal and state governments to provide psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation for the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oyo State, saying their recovery should go beyond their physical freedom.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made the appeal during plenary while contributing to a motion on the successful rescue of 39 pupils and six teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities. They regained their freedom on July 10 after spending more than 50 days in captivity following a military-led rescue operation.
Speaking during the debate, the Kogi Central lawmaker congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, while commending President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for securing their release.
She said, “I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and steadfast commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers. I also appreciate the Nigerian Armed Forces and all the security agencies whose courage, professionalism and sacrifice made this successful operation possible.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan described the victims’ return as a moment of relief for the country and praised the resilience displayed by both the captives and the security personnel involved in the operation.
“I also congratulate the rescued schoolchildren, teachers and their families on the successful conclusion of their traumatic ordeal. Their safe return is a great relief to the nation and a testament to the resilience of the victims and the dedication of our security personnel,” she said.
The senator, however, stressed that the rescue operation should be followed by deliberate efforts to address the emotional and psychological effects of the victims’ prolonged captivity.
She urged the Federal Government, state governments and relevant agencies to prioritise mental health support and rehabilitation for the survivors.
“I call on the Federal Government and state governments, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to ensure the provision of psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation for the rescued victims to facilitate their full recovery from the psychological effects of the kidnapping,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that survivors of kidnapping often carry emotional and psychological scars long after regaining their freedom, insisting that professional counselling and coordinated rehabilitation would help them successfully reintegrate into their families, schools and communities.
She also paid tribute to one of the abducted teachers who died while in captivity, praying for the repose of his soul and consoling his family.
“While we celebrate the successful rescue of the victims, we must not forget the teacher who paid the ultimate price. I pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.”
The Senate subsequently adopted the motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, commending President Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for the successful rescue operation.
The upper chamber also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation and urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups.
Lawmakers further called for improved welfare, equipment, training and operational capacity for security personnel, while urging the government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits and other entitlements to the families of officers who died during the rescue mission.
The Senate also appealed to security agencies to sustain efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country, describing the successful rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers as a significant boost to public confidence in the nation’s security agencies.
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