(Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Photo Credit; Punch News)
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator from Kogi Central Senatorial District, urged the federal and state governments on Tuesday to offer the students and teachers who were freed from captivity in Oyo State psychological support, trauma counseling, and rehabilitation, arguing that their recovery should extend beyond their physical freedom.
During a motion on the successful rescue of 39 students and six instructors kidnapped from schools in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area, Akpoti-Uduaghan made the appeal in plenary.
On May 15, 2026, armed bandits raided three schools in the towns of Yawota and Ahoro Esienle, kidnapping the victims. Following a military-led rescue effort, they were rescued on July 10 after being held captive for more than 50 days.
During the debate, the Kogi Central congressman praised President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies for ensuring the release of the rescued students, instructors, and their families.
“I applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers,” she declared.
Additionally, I am grateful to the Nigerian Armed Forces and all security agencies whose bravery, expertise, and selflessness enabled this successful operation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan commended the tenacity of both the prisoners and the security officers engaged in the operation, characterizing the victims’ return as a moment of relief for the nation.
“I also extend my congratulations to the instructors, students, and their families who were saved from their horrific ordeal.
The nation is greatly relieved by their safe return, which is also evidence of the victims’ tenacity and the commitment of our security forces, she said.
However, the senator emphasized that intentional efforts to address the psychological and emotional impacts of the victims’ extended incarceration should come after the rescue operation.
She pleaded with the federal government, state governments, and pertinent organizations to give survivors’ mental health care and rehabilitation top priority.
“I urge the federal government and state governments, working with pertinent agencies, to guarantee that the rescued victims receive psychological support, trauma counseling, and rehabilitation to enable their complete recovery from the psychological effects of the kidnapping,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that expert counseling and planned rehabilitation will enable survivors of kidnapping successfully reintegrate into their families, schools, and communities, pointing out that these individuals frequently retain emotional and psychological wounds long after regaining their freedom.
Additionally, she honored one of the kidnapped educators who passed away while in captivity by praying for his soul’s rest and comforting his family.
“We must remember the instructor who paid the greatest price even as we celebrate the victims’ successful rescue.
I offer my sincere condolences to his family and hope for the tranquil rest of his soul.
The resolution, which was supported by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and praised President Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence services, and other security organizations for the successful rescue effort, was then approved by the Senate.
The upper house also encouraged the federal government to step up military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal groups while honoring security personnel who were killed or injured during the operation.
In addition, lawmakers urged the government to guarantee the timely payment of death benefits and other entitlements to the families of policemen who perished during the rescue effort, as well as better welfare, equipment, training, and operating capability for security forces.
The Senate described the successful rescue of the Oyo students and teachers as a major boost to public confidence in the country’s security institutions and urged security services to continue their efforts to obtain the release of other Nigerians who are still being held captive throughout the nation.