SENATOR NATASHA CALLS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR FREED OYO PUPILS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called on the Federal and state governments to provide psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation for pupils and teachers recently rescued from captivity in Oyo State, stressing that their recovery should extend beyond regaining freedom.
She made the appeal on Tuesday during plenary while contributing to a motion on the 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, after armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities. They were freed on July 10 following a military-led operation after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
Akpoti-Uduaghan commended President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies for their roles in securing the victims’ release. She also congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, describing their return as a source of relief for the nation.
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According to the senator, the successful operation reflected the resilience of the victims and the dedication of security personnel involved in the mission.
She, however, emphasised the need for post-rescue support, noting that survivors of kidnapping often suffer lasting emotional and psychological trauma. She urged governments at all levels, alongside relevant agencies, to prioritise counselling and rehabilitation programmes to aid their recovery and reintegration into society.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also paid tribute to a teacher who died while in captivity, offering condolences to the bereaved family and praying for the repose of his soul.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted the motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, commending President Tinubu, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for the successful rescue.
The Senate further honoured security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation and urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence efforts against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Lawmakers also called for improved welfare, training, equipment and operational support for security personnel, as well as the prompt payment of benefits to families of officers who died during the mission.
The upper chamber additionally urged security agencies to sustain efforts toward securing the release of other Nigerians still being held captive, describing the Oyo rescue operation as a major boost to public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
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