The Kano State Police Command has disbursed N7.57m in insurance benefits to the families and next-of-kin of 17 officers who died while performing their duties.
The Punch reported that the cheques were presented on Monday by the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, at the command headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, disclosed this in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Monday night.
According to the statement, the 17 beneficiaries received a total of N7,573,231.83 under the Group Life Assurance Scheme.
The payment is part of the welfare initiatives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, designed to provide financial support to families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The statement described the insurance payment as one of several benefits available to families of deceased officers under the IGP’s comprehensive welfare scheme.
Presenting the cheques on behalf of the IGP, Bakori said the gesture reflected the police leadership’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices made by officers who died in service.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to the welfare of serving and deceased personnel, as well as their families.
Bakori also advised the beneficiaries to manage the funds responsibly and maintain cordial relationships with people who were close to their deceased relatives.
“Every soul shall taste death. While I urge the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the benefits, you should try to visit the friends of your relatives. The end of their life should not be the end of the good relationship you had with their friends. My door is always open to render any assistance if needed,” he said.
The commissioner assured the families that the command would continue to prioritise the welfare of police personnel and work towards ensuring the timely processing and payment of entitlements to families of deceased and injured officers.
He further disclosed that additional welfare packages were being planned for families of fallen officers.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Ado Sule, who received a cheque for his deceased wife, expressed appreciation to the IGP and the commissioner for the support.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased officers.
The event was attended by members of the command’s management team, senior police officers and relatives of the deceased personnel.
