Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has donated ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks in the state.
The donation, made on behalf of the Borno State Government, underscores Governor Zulum’s continued support for families of fallen heroes and personnel wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations.
Beyond military and security personnel, the governor has also extended assistance to families of volunteer forces killed in action, including scholarship opportunities for their orphaned children.
As part of efforts to personally identify with the bereaved families, Governor Zulum, visited the 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 the 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 tribute to the officer’s dedication and service to the nation.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Late Iliyasu was a dedicated and committed servant of the nation whose contributions will never be forgotten,” Governor Zulum stated.
He thereafter presented a cheque of ₦50 million to the family.
Governor Zulum later travelled to Niger and Kano states, where he presented cheques of ₦50 million each to the families of the late Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and the late Lt. Col. Umar Farouq.
He commended the fallen commanding officers for their gallantry, patriotism, and sacrifices in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The governor also announced plans to visit the families of other officers who were killed or declared missing in action, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting families of officers and soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.
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.