The Sokoto State Government has donated N38.25m and grains to the families of 24 fallen soldiers and 57 injured personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in the service of the country.
The donation, presented on behalf of the state government by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bello Sifawa, included rice, maize and millet for the beneficiaries.
Speaking, Sifawa said the sacrifices of the soldiers in protecting lives, maintaining peace and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country deserved recognition and appreciation.
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The SSG noted that the donation reflected the state government's solidarity with the military and its commitment to supporting personnel who risk their lives in the discharge of their duties, as well as the families of those who died in service.
He expressed the government's sympathy with the families of the fallen soldiers and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
Sifawa, who was accompanied by the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd), and other government officials, said the state government recognised the critical role of the military in addressing insecurity and protecting residents.
Under the arrangement, each family of the 24 deceased soldiers received N1m, while each of the 57 injured personnel received N250,000.
The government also distributed 105 bags each of rice, maize and millet, with two bags of each grain allocated to the family of every fallen soldier and one bag of each to every injured soldier.
Receiving the items on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, the Garrison Commander, Brig.-Gen. I.O. Amah, described the gesture as heartwarming and a source of consolation to the military.
He said the donation demonstrated the state government's appreciation of the sacrifices made by soldiers in protecting lives and maintaining security.
"It is indeed heartwarming and consoling that Your Excellency values the lives of our soldiers. Of course, no amount can replace a life, but that singular gesture of reciprocity is what we value," he said.
Amah expressed appreciation to Governor Aliyu for supporting the military despite the competing demands of governance and security challenges facing the state.
He also prayed for divine wisdom and strength for the governor and other leaders to steer the state towards greater development.
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The Garrison Commander further prayed for the military to overcome criminal elements responsible for insecurity in Sokoto State.
He said the support would serve as encouragement to the military and the families of personnel who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
