Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has donated ₦1.25 million to 25 pupils rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with each child receiving ₦50,000 to support their rehabilitation after spending 56 days in the hands of kidnappers.
The donation comes days after the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, following a month-long intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. The operation secured the release of all the remaining hostages, while eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and several others neutralised.
According to those close to Dare, the donation is a personal gesture aimed at easing the immediate financial burden on the affected families and supporting the children’s recovery as they undergo medical treatment and trauma counselling.
The intervention has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many commending the presidential aide for extending financial support to the victims.
Community leaders in Ogbomosoland described the donation as timely, noting that several of the affected families face significant financial challenges after weeks of uncertainty and emotional distress.
The gesture also comes as President Bola Tinubu directed relevant federal agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide comprehensive medical care, psychological support and other relief measures for the rescued pupils and teachers.
However, reactions on social media have been divided.
While some Nigerians praised Dare’s intervention as a compassionate effort to assist traumatised children, others questioned whether ₦50,000 per child was sufficient considering the victims’ prolonged captivity and the psychological support they would require.
Several online commentators argued that beyond private donations, long-term rehabilitation, educational support and improved security around schools should be prioritised to prevent similar incidents.
Others said the donation should not overshadow the sacrifices made by security personnel during the rescue operation, which reportedly claimed the life of a senior Nigerian Army officer.
Political leaders and organisations have continued to commend the security agencies for the successful rescue. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) all praised the coordinated operation while urging authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.
Parents of the rescued children have also expressed relief and gratitude following the return of their children, describing the rescue as the end of weeks of anxiety and uncertainty. They, however, appealed to the government to ensure adequate security in schools and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.
The Oriire abduction, which began on May 15, reignited concerns over attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria. Although the successful rescue has been widely welcomed, security experts and civil society groups say it also highlights the urgent need for sustained investment in intelligence gathering, school security and victim rehabilitation to address the country’s persistent kidnapping crisis.