PRESS RELEASE
CSOs COMMEND SENATE’S N50M SUPPORT TO OYO ABDUCTION VICTIM’S FAMILY, APPEAL FOR EQUITABLE POLICY FOR ALL VICTIMS OF TERRORISM NATIONWIDE
Date: 15th July, 2026
The Civil Society Organizations in the North East have received with mixed emotions the news of the approval of N50 Million by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in support of the bereaved family of the victim of abduction in Oyo State.
First, We Commiserate
We extend our deepest condolences to the family in Oyo State over this tragic loss. No family should have to endure the pain of abduction and the loss of a loved one.
We commend the Senate for this compassionate gesture. It sends a clear message that the lives of Nigerians matter, and that government stands with citizens in moments of grief. Alhamdulillah for this show of empathy.
Second, We Appeal
As indigenes of Borno State — a community that has borne the direct brunt of insurgency for over a decade — we are compelled to speak.
Our communities have witnessed countless cases of abductions, killings, and displacements. Many families in Borno, Yobe, and other frontline states have buried loved ones taken by insurgents and have lived with the trauma in silence, without similar public support or recognition from the Federal Government.
We are not in any way opposed to the support given to the Oyo family. Every Nigerian life is precious and deserves dignity in grief. Our appeal is simply this: let this be the standard for all Nigerians.
The approval for Oyo gives us hope. It shows that when government chooses to act, it can bring comfort to grieving families. We therefore respectfully appeal to the Senate, the Federal Government, and all relevant agencies to:
1. Establish a clear and compassionate national policy for supporting victims of abduction, terrorism, and violent crimes across all states and regions.
2. Extend similar gestures to families in Borno and other affected communities who have suffered losses but have not received commensurate support.
3. Ensure equity and transparency so that no Nigerian grief is treated as lesser than another, in the true spirit of “One Nigeria.”
We believe this will not only bring succor to victims but will also strengthen national unity and trust in government.
Finally, We Appreciate
We appreciate the Senate for setting this precedent. We also appreciate all Nigerians of goodwill who continue to pray for peace in Borno and across the country.
We remain committed to peace, to nation-building, and to supporting any effort that brings justice and healing to all victims, wherever they are.
In the spirit of shared humanity and shared citizenship, we say: What is good for Oyo should also be good for Borno.
Signed,
Amb. Ahmed Shehu
Chairman
Northeast Civil Society Forum
