Benue killings: Alia gifts N380m to wives of deceased security personnel

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Benue State governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has gifted over N380 million to families of 76 deceased security personnel in the state.

The governor, who spoke on Friday when he met with families of the deceased personnel in Government House Makurdi, also promised the children scholarships to enable them continue their education.

The families of the deceased, including personnel of the police, civil defence, the military and members of Civil Protection Guards, (CPG) amongst others, were given the sum of N5 million each.

The 76 security personnel lost their lives in the last one year in the course of protecting the state from herdsmen attacks.

Governor Alia, who acknowledged the selfless sacrifice of the deceased security personnel, said they paid the supreme prize to ensure peace in the state.

The governor appreciated the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Commander, Civil Defence for their efforts to ensure that peace returned to the state.

He also lauded the enthusiasm of the president to ensure that peace is restored to the state saying: “We appreciate the sacrifice made by these fallen heroes to defend the territory of the state and ensure that the citizenry live in peace.

“It is a heavy burden, but we will continue this journey with you. Their memories will continue to be a blessing to us, and our state. I sat and saw a mother breast-feeding her baby, which means the child did not know its father because he paid the supreme prize.”