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.”
