Maiduguri (Nigeria): On Wednesday, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno donated ₦150 million to the families of three military officers killed in recent state attacks.
This was stated by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Dauda Iliya, in Maiduguri.
Iliya said that 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 gesture, made on behalf of the Borno government, was part of Zulum’s sustained support to families of fallen heroes and wounded-in-action personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations across the state.
The spokesperson added that, alongside military and security personnel, the governor has also aided families of volunteer forces killed in action, including through scholarship programmes for their children.
Iliya noted that, to personally support bereaved families, the governor visited the families of late Lt.-Col. Umar Farouq, Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu, and Lt.-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 the governor expressed condolences and paid tribute to the officer’s national service.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Late Iliyasu was a dedicated servant of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” Zulum said.
Iliya added that the governor presented a ₦50 million cheque to the family.
He said Zulum then travelled to Niger and Kano States, presenting cheques of ₦50 million each to the families of Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq.
He commended the slain commanding officers for their gallantry, patriotism, and sacrifices in the ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
He said the governor also plans to visit families of other officers killed or missing in action, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to support them.
Iliya quoted the governor praying for the deceased’s souls and for God’s strength for their families to bear the loss.
