By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
A day of mixed emotions it was at the Police Command headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State,on Wednesday as 27 families of police officers who died in active service received cheques worth over ₦52 million from the Nigeria Police Force.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO,SP.William Aya and made a copy to The Reporters.
The disbursement, made under the Group Life Assurance Scheme and the Inspector-General of Police Family Welfare Scheme, brought both tears of remembrance and relief to widows, children, and relatives of the fallen heroes.
The Commissioner of Police in the state,CP Miller G. Dantawaye, represented by his Deputy in charge of Administration, DCP Baba Mallam Alhaji, presented cheques totaling ₦52,885,344.83 to the beneficiaries.
In his remarks, CP Dantawaye reminded the gathering that the gesture was a reflection of the unwavering commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to the welfare of officers and their dependents.
CP Dantawaye reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the fallen officers will never be forgotten, emphasizing the IGP’s unwavering commitments to improve the welfare of both serving and retired personnel, as well as the families of those who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
The Police Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to sustain the future of their families.
For many of the widows and children present, the moment was deeply emotional. While still grieving the loss of their loved ones, they expressed heartfelt appreciation to the police authorities for remembering them in their time of need.
“This money cannot bring back my husband, but it will help me take care of our children,” said one of the widows, clutching her cheque with teary eyes in an interview with our correspondent in Lokoja.
Another beneficiary noted that the financial support would help cushion the harsh realities of living without their breadwinners, describing the gesture as timely and lifesaving.
