Gov Wike Gifts N220m To Slain Policemen Families
BY OYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – The families of eleven policemen killed by unknown gunmen during recent attacks on police formations in Rivers State will receive N20 million each as palliatives from the State government.
Governor Nyesom Wike announced the package during a condolence visit to the Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka and officers of the State Police Command
Addressing the officers and men at the Police Officers Mess in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said his visit was to commiserate with them over their colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting the State.
He said though no amount of money could equate with human life, the gesture is only meant to console the bereaved families that their loved ones did not die in vain.
Describing as heart-wrenching the unwarranted killing of policemen who were legitimately protecting lives and property of citizens in the country, Governor Wike challenged the Police to always be on the offensive against criminals and all those perpetrating heinous acts across the State.
According to him; “In the past two to three weeks, we have lost eleven police officers and men. This is a dark period for us in the State.”
The Rivers State Chief Executive lamented that those carrying out the dastardly killings have cold-heartedly turned the wives of slain police personnel to widows while rendering their children and other dependants fatherless for no just cause.
He however maintained that no amount of vicious attacks, intimidation or harassment would compel Rivers State and its peace-loving people to become part of any secession agenda in the country.
Insisting that the Rivers people believed in the unity of the Nigerian State, the governor further said; “We must be united to fight for this country to be one. We must not allow anyone to talk about secession. If you want to secede, Rivers State is not part of it, and nobody can cow Rivers State to be part of it. Not under my watch will I allow that.”
The governor therefore assured the Police Command of his administration’s continuous support and charged police personnel to be more careful, proactive and vigilant in the course of their duty.
Responding on behalf of the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba Usman, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Friday Eboka thanked the governor for easing the pains and suffering of the bereaved families with his kind and timely gesture.
Mr Eboka said the armed men who attacked three different police formations for no justifiable reason gruesomely killed seven officers.
He also disclosed that two officers who sustained bullet injuries, were currently receiving treatment, adding; “It is noteworthy that the hoodlums did not escape without suffering fatalities, as two of them lost their lives and their Hilux riddled with bullets was abandoned. Thanks to RRT Commander and other Tactical Teams who responded to the distress call.”
He said the ugly developments notwithstanding, officers and men of the State command would not shy away from their responsibilities.
Further appreciating Governor Wike as a father figure, the Police boss said; “Your visit today will further boost their morals. I therefore want to use this opportunity to re-assure the good people of Rivers State of our resolve to continue to protect their lives and property.”
