Governor Zulum Donates N150 Million to Families of Fallen Military Officers
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has made a significant donation of N150 million to the families of three military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the state. The payments were disbursed yesterday in Maiduguri, the state capital, on behalf of the Borno State Government, as part of Zulum's ongoing commitment to supporting the families of fallen heroes and wounded-in-action personnel involved in counter-terrorism operations across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
Personal Visits to Bereaved Families
In a heartfelt effort to personally connect with the bereaved families, Governor Zulum visited the families of the late officers on Wednesday. He first met with the family of the late Lt-Col. Salihu Iliyasu in Abuja, where he was received by the deceased's wives, Na'ima and Rakiya. During the visit, Zulum expressed his deepest condolences and paid tribute to the officer's dedicated 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 the governor. He then presented a cheque of N50 million to the family as a gesture of support.
Extending Support Across States
Following the visit in Abuja, Governor Zulum traveled to Niger and Kano states to present cheques of N50 million each to the families of the late Lt-Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and the late Lt-Col. Umar Farouq. He commended these commanding officers for their gallantry, patriotism, and sacrifices in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, highlighting their crucial role in defending the country.
Broader Assistance and Future Plans
Beyond the military and security personnel, Governor Zulum has also extended assistance to families of volunteer forces killed in action, including scholarship programs for their orphaned children. This initiative underscores his administration's holistic approach to supporting those affected by the conflict.
The governor further announced plans to visit the families of other officers who were killed or missing in action in the ongoing military operations. This reaffirms his administration's unwavering commitment to standing by the families of officers and men who have paid the ultimate price in defense of the country.
In a solemn moment, Governor Zulum prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased in Aljannatul Firdaus and asked God to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. This act of compassion and financial support aims to provide some relief to the grieving families during this difficult time.
