...Visits Families of Slain Military Officers, Reaffirms Commitment to Troops and Victims of Insurgency
In a moving demonstration of compassion and solidarity, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks in the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting security personnel and their loved ones in the face of Nigeria’s protracted counter-insurgency war.
The donation, made on behalf of the Borno State Government, is part of Governor Zulum’s sustained intervention for families of fallen military personnel and wounded soldiers engaged in the fight against insurgency across the North-East.
During condolence visits on Wednesday, the governor presented ₦50 million each to the families of the late Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, describing the slain officers as gallant patriots whose sacrifices would remain indelible in the nation’s security history.
Governor Zulum first visited the family of Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu in Abuja, where he was received by the deceased officer’s wives, Na’ima and Rakiya. There, the governor offered heartfelt condolences and praised the late officer’s dedication, courage, and selfless service to the nation.
According to the governor, the financial support was not merely a donation but a symbol of shared grief and collective appreciation from the people of Borno State to officers who paid the supreme price in defence of the country.
From Abuja, Governor Zulum proceeded to Niger State and Kano State, where he also presented ₦50 million cheques each to the families of Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq, respectively.
In each of the visits, the governor paid glowing tribute to the slain commanding officers, commending their gallantry, patriotism, and courage in the ongoing war against insurgents. He noted that their sacrifice would continue to inspire Nigeria’s armed forces and strengthen public resolve in the collective pursuit of peace and stability.
Standing With Those Who Paid the Ultimate Price
Governor Zulum stressed that the sacrifices of officers and soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty must never be forgotten, adding that his administration would continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their families.
He also disclosed plans to visit the families of other military personnel who were either killed or declared missing in action during ongoing operations, assuring that the Borno State Government would sustain its support for those directly affected by the conflict.
Beyond the military, the governor noted that his administration has consistently extended similar support to volunteer forces who lost their lives in action, including scholarship programmes for their orphaned children, as part of broader efforts to cushion the impact of the insurgency on vulnerable families.
A Message of Compassion Amid Conflict
In a region long scarred by years of insurgency, Governor Zulum’s gesture carries both humanitarian and symbolic significance, highlighting the close bond between the Borno State Government and the security forces battling to restore peace in the state.
The governor offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers, asking Almighty God to grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and to comfort their families in this difficult period.
He was accompanied during the condolence visits by the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Ali Busguma, elder statesman Dr. Musa Inuwa Kubo, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, Engr. Kaka Shettima, and Dr. Aminu Chiroma.
Why It Matters
The latest intervention further cements Governor Zulum’s reputation as one of the country’s most visible subnational leaders in the campaign against insurgency, not only through direct support for frontline operations but also through deliberate welfare measures aimed at honouring the sacrifices of military personnel and volunteer fighters.
At a time when morale, public trust, and humanitarian support remain critical to the war effort, the governor’s ₦150 million donation sends a strong message: Borno State will not abandon the families of those who died defending it.
