Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the disbursement of ₦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, forms part of the governor’s ongoing support to families of fallen heroes and personnel wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations.
Governor Zulum has consistently extended similar interventions beyond the military to include volunteer forces killed in action, with provisions such as scholarship programmes for their orphaned children.
As part of efforts to personally condole with the bereaved, the governor on Wednesday visited the families of the late Lieutenant Colonels Salihu Iliyasu, Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and Umar Farouq.
He 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. During the visit, Zulum paid tribute to the officer’s service and presented a cheque of ₦50 million to the family.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I extend my heartfelt condolences. Late Iliyasu was a dedicated and committed officer whose contributions to the nation will not be forgotten,” the governor said.
The governor subsequently 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 Lt. Col. Umar Farouq.
Zulum commended the fallen officers for their gallantry, patriotism, and sacrifices in the ongoing fight against insurgency, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting the families of those who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.
He also disclosed plans to visit families of other officers killed or missing in action, while offering prayers for the repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones.
The governor was accompanied on the visits by the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busguma; elder statesman, Dr. Musa Inuwa Kubo; Hon. Sugun Mai Mele; Engr. Kaka Shettima; and Dr. Aminu Chiroma.
