Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Wednesday donated ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Dauda Iliya, in Maiduguri.
Iliya said that the donations were made during condolence visit to the families of the officers who lost their lives during counter-insurgency operations in Maiduguri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture, made on behalf of Borno government was part of the Zulum’s sustained support to families of fallen heroes and wounded-in-action personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations across the state.
The spokesperson said that in addition to the military and other security personnel, the governor had also extended assistance to families of volunteer forces killed in action, including scholarship programmes for their children.
As part of his efforts to personally identify with the bereaved families, Iliya said that the governor had also visited the families of the late Lit.-Col. Umar Farouq, Lit. Col. Salihu Iliyasu, and Lit.-Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko.
He said that Zulum first visited the family of late Lt.- Col. Salihu Iliyasu in Abuja, where he was received by the deceased’s wives, Na’ima and Rakiya.
The spokesperson said that the governor expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the officer’s service to the nation.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The late Iliyasu was a dedicated and committed servant of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” Zulum was quoted as saying.
Iliya stated further that the governor then presented a cheque of ₦50 million to the family.
He said that Zulum subsequently travelled to Niger and Kano States, where he presented cheques of ₦50 million each to the families of late Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and late Lt. Col. Umar Farouq.
He commended the slain commanding officers for their gallantry, patriotism, and sacrifices in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
He said that the governor further announced plans to visit the families of other officers who were killed or missing in action in the ongoing military operations, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to standing by the families of officers and men who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.
Iliya quoted the governor as he prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased in paradise (Aljannatul Firdaus) and for God to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
