Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria — Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria, has donated ₦150 million (about $100,000) to the families of three Nigerian Army lieutenant colonels killed by Boko Haram insurgents during counterinsurgency operations in the state.
The support was provided to the families of Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko. The donation forms part of what officials described as ongoing assistance by the Borno State Government to relatives of military personnel killed or wounded while combating armed insurgency in the region.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Abdulrahman Bundi, Senior Technical Assistant to the Governor on Print and Digital Communications, the governor personally visited the bereaved families to express condolences and offer financial assistance.
The statement read, “As part of efforts to personally identify with the bereaved families, Governor Zulum, on Wednesday, visited families of the late Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko.”
Okay News reports that the governor first travelled to Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital, where he met the family of the late Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu. He was received by the deceased officer’s wives, Na’ima and Rakiya.
While offering condolences, Zulum praised the officer’s service and sacrifice. He said, “On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Late Iliyasu was a dedicated and committed servant of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten.”
The governor presented a cheque of ₦50 million (about $33,000) to the family during the visit.
He later travelled to Niger State, north-central Nigeria, and Kano State, northwestern Nigeria, where he presented cheques of ₦50 million (about $33,000) each to the families of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko and Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq.
Zulum commended the slain officers for their bravery, patriotism, and sacrifices in ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in northeastern Nigeria. He also announced plans to visit other families of officers killed or declared missing in action, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting those affected by the conflict.
The statement added that the governor’s support extends beyond military personnel to include volunteer fighters who lost their lives in the conflict. Assistance programmes reportedly include financial aid and scholarships for orphaned children of fallen personnel.
“He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased in Aljannatul Firdaus and for God to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement added.
The governor was accompanied during the visits by the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Government House, Barrister Mustapha Ali Busguma; elder statesman Dr. Musa Inuwa Kubo; Honorable Sugun Mai Mele; Engineer Kaka Shettima; and Dr. Aminu Chiroma.
The donations highlight ongoing humanitarian and morale support efforts amid continued security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where military forces have battled Boko Haram insurgents for more than a decade.
