Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has congratulated the rescued schoolchildren, teachers and their families following their release after more than 50 days in captivity in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while calling on the Federal and state governments to provide psychological support and rehabilitation to aid their recovery.
Speaking during Tuesday’s Senate plenary while contributing to a motion on the successful rescue operation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their leadership, courage and professionalism in securing the freedom of the abducted victims.
“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.”
The Kogi Central lawmaker congratulated the rescued schoolchildren, teachers and their families, describing their safe return as a source of relief and hope for the nation.
“I 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, however, stressed that the successful rescue should be followed by deliberate efforts to address the emotional and psychological impact of the victims’ captivity.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the Federal Government, state governments and relevant agencies to go beyond the physical rescue of the victims by ensuring they receive comprehensive mental health care.
“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 emphasized that survivors of kidnapping often suffer invisible emotional scars and require professional counselling and coordinated rehabilitation to successfully reintegrate into their families, schools and communities.
The senator also prayed for the peaceful repose of the teacher who lost his life during the period of captivity and extended her heartfelt 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.”
The Senate subsequently adopted the motion, commending President Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation. The upper chamber also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the mission and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes while improving the welfare of security personnel.
