Veterans and widows of fallen soldiers in Gombe State have called on Nigerians and the government to address their struggles with greater compassion and provide much-needed support for their welfare.
During the launch of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and wreath-laying ceremony in Gombe, they voiced concerns about neglect and inadequate assistance, particularly for widows awaiting benefits for over a decade.
The Gombe State Coordinator of the Military Widows Association, Mrs. Salome Ishaya Titus, highlighted the daily challenges faced by widows, including feeding their families, supporting their children’s education, and overall welfare.
“Life is tough, especially in today’s economic situation. Sometimes, feeding the children becomes difficult, but we thank God we are surviving,” Mrs. Titus said.
She praised military scholarships for orphans, but noted that many widows remained excluded from such programmes due to financial constraints, such as the inability to travel to Abuja to complete the required procedures.
Mrs. Titus urged the public to recognize the sacrifices made by fallen heroes and provide support to their families.
Some widows reported waiting over 11 years for their husbands’ insurance and other benefits, leading to financial hardship and health issues, lamenting the lack of policies to empower widows economically, while also urging families not to demand too much share of the benefits meant for them.
Veterans’ Concerns
Retired Staff Sergeant Adamu Dogo, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Gombe State, acknowledged complaints about unpaid benefits and confirmed forwarding the grievances to the national headquarters in Abuja.
He also appealed for the inclusion of traditional rulers in the annual remembrance events to better address the veterans’ and families’ struggles.
Retired Sergeant Mohammed Idris Gargada called for a review of the minimum wage and pensions for retired military personnel to reflect current economic realities.
“Some of our colleagues have died or are hospitalized because they can’t afford medical bills. Others in remote areas don’t receive timely information about their entitlements,” he said, urging the government to prioritize welfare reforms.
Government’s Response
Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, representing Governor Inuwa Yahaya, announced a donation of ₦6 million to the Nigerian Legion in the state.
He also encouraged residents to donate generously to support veterans and their families.
Dr. Jatau suggested expanding the scope of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day to honour personnel from other security agencies who have also made sacrifices for national peace and security.
“While this event focuses on military heroes, today’s security challenges involve multiple agencies working together. It’s time to recognize their sacrifices too,” he said.
Jatau further called on residents to cooperate with security personnel and provide timely information to prevent incidents rather than reacting after harm has been done.
The event served as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces and the need for collective action to support those they left behind.
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