Zulum donates ₦150m to families of Soldiers killed by Boko Haram
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has donated a total of ₦150 million to the families of three Nigerian Army lieutenant colonels killed by Boko Haram insurgents.
The beneficiaries are the families of Lt. Col. Umar Farouq, Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu, and Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko, who were killed during counter-insurgency operations in the state.
According to a statement by the governor’s Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communication, Abdulrahman Bundi, the donation forms part of ongoing efforts to support families of fallen military personnel and wounded officers.
Zulum personally visited the bereaved families across different states. He first stopped in Abuja to meet the family of the late Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu, where he was received by the officer’s wives, Na’ima and Rakiya. During the visit, the governor presented a cheque of ₦50 million and expressed deep condolences.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I extend my heartfelt sympathies. The late officer was a dedicated and committed servant whose sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he said.
The governor subsequently travelled to Niger State and Kano State, where he presented ₦50 million each to the families of Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq.
Zulum commended the slain officers for their bravery, patriotism, and sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, stressing that their contributions remain invaluable to national security.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting families of fallen heroes, revealing plans to visit more families of officers killed or declared missing in action.
Beyond military personnel, the governor has extended similar support to families of volunteer fighters, including scholarship programmes for orphaned children.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families to bear the loss.
