Governor Babagana Zulum on Wednesday donated ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, disclosed this.

Mr Iliya said the donations were made during a condolence visit to the families of the officers who lost their lives during counter-insurgency operations in Maiduguri.

The spokesperson said that in addition to the military and other security personnel, the governor 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, Mr Iliya said the governor also visited the families of the late Umar Farouq, Salihu Iliyasu, and Aliyu Saidu Paiko.

He said Mr Zulum first visited the family of Mr Iliyasu in Abuja, where the deceased’s wives, Na’ima and Rakiya, received him.

The spokesperson said 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. Late Iliyasu was a dedicated and committed servant of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” Mr Zulum said.

Mr Iliya further stated that the governor then presented a cheque for ₦50 million to the family. 

He said that Mr Zulum subsequently travelled to Niger and Kano, where he presented cheques of ₦50 million each to the families of Messrs. Paiko and Farouq.

He commended the slain commanding officers for their gallantry, patriotism, and sacrifices in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

He said the governor further announced plans to visit the families of other officers 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.

(NAN)