Natasha seeks mental support for rescued Oyo students, teachers

Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for immediate psychological support for students and teachers recently rescued in Oyo State, stressing that emotional recovery should be treated with the same urgency as their physical wellbeing.

She made the call on Tuesday during plenary while contributing to a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, commending President Bola Tinubu for the successful rescue of the captives.

Natasha stressed that the successful rescue should be followed by deliberate efforts to address the emotional and psychological impact of the victims’ captivity.

She urged the federal government, state governments, and relevant agencies to go beyond the physical rescue of the victims by ensuring they receive comprehensive mental healthcare.

Natasha 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.”

She added, “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 said.

“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.

She noted 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 died during the period of captivity and extended 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,” she added.

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.