Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has contributed ₦150 million to the families of Lt Col Umar Farouq, Lt Col Salihu Iliyasu, and Lt Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, who were killed by Boko Haram insurgents in the state.
According to a statement by Abdulrahman Bundi, the Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communication to the governor, the donation is part of Governor Zulum’s ongoing support for families of fallen heroes and personnel injured in counter-insurgency operations across Borno.
The statement reads, “As part of efforts to personally identify with the bereaved families, Governor Zulum, on Wednesday, visited 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 late Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu in Abuja, where he was received by his wives, Na’ima and Rakiya.
He offered condolences and honoured the officer’s service to the nation, saying, “On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Late Iliyasu was a dedicated and committed servant of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten.”
“He then presented a cheque of ₦50 million to the family,” the statement added.
Governor Zulum subsequently travelled to Niger and Kano States, presenting ₦50 million each to the families of late Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and late Lt. Col. Umar Farouq.
He praised the fallen officers for their bravery, patriotism, and sacrifices in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations, and announced plans to visit other families of officers who were killed or went missing in action, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting families of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In addition, Bundi noted that the governor has extended support to families of volunteer forces killed in action, including scholarship programmes for their orphaned children.
“He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased in Aljannatul Firdaus and for God to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he added.
Governor Zulum was accompanied on the visits by the Permanent Secretary of the Government House, Barrister Mustapha Ali Busguma, elder statesman Dr. Musa Inuwa Kubo, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, Engr. Kaka Shettima, and Dr. Aminu Chiroma.