Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Federal and Oyo State Governments to provide psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation for schoolchildren and teachers rescued after spending more than 50 days in captivity in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Speaking during Tuesday’s Senate plenary while contributing to a motion on the successful rescue operation, the senator commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the armed forces and security agencies for securing the release of the victims.
“I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and steadfast commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their courage and professionalism during the operation, describing the victims’ return as a moment of relief for the nation.
“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 said.
However, the senator stressed that the rescue should be followed by deliberate efforts to address the emotional and psychological effects of the ordeal.
She urged the federal and state governments, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to provide comprehensive mental health support to help the survivors recover and reintegrate into their families, schools and communities.
“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 said.
The senator noted that the impact of kidnapping often extends beyond physical safety, with survivors requiring professional support to overcome trauma.
She also paid tribute to the teacher who died during the period of captivity, offering condolences to his family.
“While we celebrate the successful rescue of the victims, we must not forget the teacher who paid the ultimate price,” she said.
The Senate later adopted the motion commending President Tinubu, the armed forces and security agencies for the rescue operation.
The chamber also honoured security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the mission, while urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, alongside improving welfare support for security personnel.
