Emotions swell as 12 widows of slain soldiers get N1million compensation each

by ‘Jola Sotubo

 Widow of Captain E. I. Oshoga and son receieving a cheque from Major-General Umahi.

It was an emotional time yesterday for the widows and children of some soldiers killed in Maiduguri, Borno State, last month.

The families of the deceased received some succor as they were  presented with a cheque of N1 million each at the 81 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Victoria Island, Lagos. The 12 widows, aged 20 and 30 years, and their children broke down in tears perhaps in remembrance of the event that led to their being there.

According to reports, the General Officer  Commanding, GOC, 81 Division, Major General Abel Umahi, who presented the cheques said that the compensation was from the Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as part of  efforts to cushion the effect of the loss of their breadwinners.Describing the moment as a solemn one, he said the deceased soldiers from the 174 Battalion died in active service so that majority of Nigerians could live in peace.

He said aside the N1 million compensation by the Borno State governor, the Nigerian Army had undertaken a number of things such as payment of benefits accrued to the deceased as well as taking responsibility of the deceased’s children academic pursuit, particularly those  below 18 years.

He assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to do all within its powers to comfort the bereaved families.

Advising the widows to use the money given to them wisely, Umahi, however,  cautioned extended families not to arm-twist the widows of their benefits.

“Widows and children of the fallen soldiers are targets of this gesture. It is meant for wives and children, not for extended family members. The money should be used to carter for the need of the wives and children of the deceased. It is not for burial because the Nigerian Army had taken care of all the burial responsibilities.”
He also warned that the beneficiaries should not be stampeded out of their respective barracks accommodation.

The slain soldiers are Captain A. I. Oshoga, N/13977 of 174 Battalion; Sergeant Sadiq Ominisi with  Force number 95NA/40/4750 of 174 Battalion; Corporal Olafimihan Akeem, 92 NA/33/1698 of 9 Brigade; Corporal Sabo Mijinwaya of 9 Brigade; Corporal  Moses Sylvester 97NA/44/3971 of 9 Brigade; Lance Corporal Umar is a 97NA/45/7655 of 9 Brigade; Lance Corporal Michael Ike  of 9 Brigade; Lance Corporal Nwabunwane Monday of 81 Division.

Others are Lance Corporal  Kabiru Mairiga of 81 Division Garrison; Lance Corporal Job of 81 Division Garrison; Private Ephraim Ebimine and Private Ndah Mohammed.

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