Emotions
ran high, yesterday, at the 81 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army,
Victoria Island, Lagos, as widows of military personnel killed by members of
the Boko Haram sect last month in Maiduguiri, Borno State were presented a
cheque of N1 million each.
The
widows, numbering 12, majority of whom were between 20 and 30 years, including
their children, broke down in uncontrollable tears.
Presenting
the cheques, General Officer Commanding, GOC, 81 Division, Major General
Abel Umahi, said the compensation was from the Borno State governor, Alhaji
Kashim Shettima, as part of succor to cushion the effect of the loss on
their next-of-kin.
Describing
the moment as a solemn one, he said the deceased soldiers from the 174
Battalion died in active service so that majority of Nigerians could live in
peace.
He
said aside the N1 million compensation by the Borno State governor, the
Nigerian Army had undertaken a number of things such as payment of benefits
accrued to the deceased as well as taking responsibility of the deceased’s
children academic pursuit, particularly those below 18 years.
He
assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to do all within its powers to
comfort the bereaved families.
Advising
the widows to use the money given to them wisely, Umahi, however, cautioned
extended families not to arm-twist the widows of their benefits.
The
money won’t and can’t replace their husbands but it does show the Nations
appreciation for the huge sacrifice they made for the defense of our land.
Thank
you so much.
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