Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated N50 million to the family of the late Lt. Col. OC Okolo, who lost his life on February 16 during a Boko Haram attack at Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Media reports indicate that the governor had earlier given N150 million to families of three military officers who died in separate attacks across the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor reiterated his administration’s readiness to assist families of officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives while defending the country.
He further assured that he would keep visiting families of other personnel who were either killed or declared missing in action during ongoing military operations.
The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (Rtd), presented the donation during the funeral service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday, April 10.
Iliya noted that the financial support was delivered on behalf of the Borno State Government as part of Governor Zulum’s continuous assistance to families of fallen heroes and personnel injured in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
Brig. Gen. Ishaq, speaking on behalf of the government and people of Borno State, offered his sincere 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 asked God to grant his family the strength and fortitude to cope with the painful loss.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Prof. Stanley Okolo expressed profound gratitude to Governor Zulum for the empathy and solidarity extended to them.
“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 equally appreciated the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, for sending representatives.
The funeral ceremony 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.
