From ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, WARRI
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, yesterday, presented cheques totalling N37,663,936 to 35 families of police officers who died while serving the nation.
The event, which took place in Asaba, was carried out on behalf of the Inspector- General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
The funds were part of the IGP Family Welfare Scheme and Group Life Assurance, designed to support families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Abaniwonda said the police remains grateful for the sacrifices made by the deceased officers, describing them as gallant men and women who paid the ultimate price while protecting lives and property.
He stressed that the welfare of serving officers and the families of those who had passed on is a matter of priority for the Inspector-General of Police.
According to him, the presentation of the cheques was not just financial assistance, but also a message that the Force has not forgotten the contributions of its fallen heroes.
“This gesture from the IGP will go a long way in supporting the families and reminding them that, although their loved ones are no more, the Force has not forgotten their sacrifices,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the initiative is part of ongoing reforms aimed at boosting the morale of officers and giving assurance that their families will be catered for in the unfortunate event of death in service.
He added that the IGP is committed to sustaining and improving the scheme for future beneficiaries.
He also urged the recipients to see the financial support as a seed to rebuild their lives, assuring them that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to stand by them whenever the need arises.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Chidinma Paul expressed gratitude to the IGP for what she described as an act of magnanimity.
She said the funds would be used judiciously to improve the welfare of the affected families.
The cheques were presented in an atmosphere of mixed emotions with tears from some beneficiaries who were reminded of their loss and smiles of relief knowing that the Force still cared for their wellbeing.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe said the presentation was part of a nationwide effort by the IGP to reach out to families of late officers and assure them that they remain part of the police community.
Edafe reiterated that the command would continue to uphold the principles of service and sacrifice while working to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.
