By Sam Kayode
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has donated the sum of ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks in the state.
The gesture, made on behalf of Borno State Government, is part of Zulum’s sustained support to families of fallen heroes and personnel wounded-in-action engaged in counter-insurgency operations across the state.
The Governor has also extended similar assistances and scholarships to families of volunteer security units killed in action, for the support of their surviving widows and sometimes orphaned children.
As part of efforts to personally identify with the bereaved families, Governor Zulum, on Wednesday, visited families of the late Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko.
The Governor 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.
He expressed his condolences and paid special tributes to the officer’s memory for his 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.
“Late Iliyasu was a dedicated and committed servant of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” said Zulum.
He then presented a cheque of ₦50 million to the family to cushion the hardship that the absence of the officer may cause.
Zulum subsequently travelled to Niger and Kano States, where he presented cheques of ₦50 million each to families of the 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.
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.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased in Aljannatul Firdaus and for God to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.