Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has donated ₦150 million to the families of three senior military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks linked to the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
The Governor made the donation during condolence visits to the bereaved families, presenting ₦50 million each to the families of Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu, Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq, who were killed while serving in frontline operations.
The gesture, undertaken on behalf of the Borno State Government, forms part of Zulum’s continued support for the families of security personnel who have died or sustained injuries in the fight against insurgency in the region.
Zulum began the visits in Abuja where he met with the family of the late Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu. The Governor was received by the officer’s wives: Na’ima and Rakiya; to whom he conveyed his condolences and the sympathy of the people of Borno State.
Presenting a cheque of ₦50 million, Zulum described the late officer as a courageous and committed soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The late Iliyasu served his country with dedication and bravery, and his sacrifices will never be forgotten,” the Governor said.
From Abuja, Zulum proceeded to Niger State and Kano State, where he also visited the families of the late Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq, presenting cheques of ₦50 million each as support.
He paid glowing tribute to the fallen officers, commending their gallantry and patriotism in the ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the North-East.
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to standing by families of military personnel and other security operatives who have made sacrifices in the line of duty.
Beyond support for the military, the Governor noted that his government has also extended assistance to families of members of volunteer forces killed during counter-insurgency operations. These interventions include financial support and scholarship programmes for children of those who died in the line of duty.
He further disclosed plans to visit the families of other officers reported killed or missing in recent operations, stressing that the state government would continue to recognise the sacrifices of security personnel.
The Governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers and asked God to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Zulum was accompanied on the condolence visits by the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Ali Busuguma; elder statesman, Dr. Musa Inuwa Kubo; Hon. Sugun Mai Mele; Engr. Kaka Shettima; and Dr. Aminu Chiroma.
