FAMILIES OF 12 SLAIN SOLDIERS GET N1M EACH FROM BORNO GOVT

Families of 12 Army personnel who were killed by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect were in tears yesterday when cheques of N1million where distributed to each of them by the Borno State government as compensation.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abel Umahi, while presenting the cheques to families of the slain personnel, who were drawn from 174 Battalion, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos State, on behalf of the governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, said the men died in active service.
“The money is part of the assistance given to families of the deceased soldiers by the Borno State governor. It is aimed at cushioning the effect of their death on their wives, children and other relatives. Apart from this, the Nigerian Army has undertaken to do a number of things like burial and payment of benefits which have been processed. The Nigerian Army welfare policy for dead soldiers children below 18 years of age includes sponsorship in their academic pursuits. The business of soldiering is a risky one. It is a commitment to lay down our lives so that the rest of Nigerians can live in peace and the country can progress. It is a sacrifice they (soldiers) made. The money being presented today is not enough, but it is a kind gesture from the Borno State government, the state where the soldiers died. We will continue to support and care for you,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Umahi urged the children, wives and other relatives of the slain soldiers who collected the cheques to use the funds judiciously.
The 12 slain soldiers include; Capt. Al Ushoga, Sergeant Sadiq Ominisi, Cpl Olafimihan Akeem, Cpl Sabo Mijinyawa, Cpl Moses Sylvester, LCpl Umar Isa, LCpl Michael Ike and LCpl Nwanbuwanne Monday. LCpl Kabiru Mairiga, LCpl Musa Job, Private Ephraim Ebimine and Private Ndah Mohammed, were also among the deceased.