The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the Federal and state governments to provide psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation for the pupils and teachers recently rescued from captivity in Oyo State, stressing that their recovery should extend beyond physical freedom.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made the appeal on Tuesday 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 the 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.
Commending President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies for securing the release of the victims, the lawmaker described the operation as a major achievement and a source of relief for the nation.
“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,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, noting that their return was a testament to their resilience and the dedication of security personnel involved in the operation.
“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 added.
While celebrating the successful rescue, the senator warned that survivors of kidnapping often endure long-term emotional and psychological trauma, urging authorities to prioritise their mental health and social reintegration.
According to her, professional counselling and structured rehabilitation programmes are necessary to help the victims recover from the effects of their ordeal and resume normal life.
“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.
She noted that the impact of prolonged captivity often lingers long after victims regain their freedom, making sustained mental health support critical to their recovery and reintegration into their families, schools and communities.
The senator also paid tribute to one of the abducted teachers who died while in captivity, offering condolences to the bereaved 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,” she said.
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 operation.
The upper chamber also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the mission, describing their sacrifices as crucial to the operation’s success.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups threatening national security.
The Senate further called for improved welfare packages, better equipment, enhanced training and increased operational support 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.
It also appealed to security agencies to sustain efforts aimed at securing the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country, describing the rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers as a significant boost to public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
