Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated N50 million to the family of the late Lt. Col. OC Okolo, who was killed on February 16, during a Boko Haram attack at Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Daily Trust reports that the governor recently donated N150 million to families of three military officers who were killed in separate attacks across the state.
In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting families of officers and men who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.
He also assured that he would continue to visit families of other personnel killed or declared missing in action in the ongoing military operations.
The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (Rtd), made the donation during the funeral service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State on Friday, April 10.
Iliya added that the cash donation was presented on behalf of the Borno State Government as part of Governor Zulum’s sustained support to families of fallen heroes and those wounded in action in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
Brig. Gen. Ishaq, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
“My heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends and colleagues of Lt. Col Okolo on his painful demise.
“Lt Col OC Okolo was a gallant, dedicated and committed officer of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” he said.
He also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for God to grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Prof. Stanley Okolo expressed deep appreciation to Governor Zulum for the compassion and solidarity shown.
“The family members were particularly touched with the cash donation of N50m and delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service despite the short notice,” Stanley stated.
He also commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, for sending representatives.
The funeral service was attended by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Brigadier General G.A. Suru; the Task Force Commander, 25 Brigade, Brigadier General I.P. Omoke, who represented the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI; members of NAOWA; and members of the host community.