Magashi presents N2.597 billion cheques to 804 families of slain soldiers in Abuja

By: Kingsley Omonobi – Abuja.

The federal government has approved the payment of benefits to families of 804 slain soldiers and officers of the armed forces of Nigeria to the tune of #2,597 billion.

Minister of Defence, Major Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd) made this known on Friday while presenting the Group Life Insurance Cheques to the next of kin of 804 families who died in active service.

A breakdown of the slain soldiers and officers shows that a total of 644 personnel of the Nigerian Army lost their lives in the various battles against insurgency, banditry, Crude oil theft, kidnapping and other national security threats, with the Nigerian Navy losing 70 Ratings and officers while the Nigerian Airforce lost 90 officers and men in battle.

The Group Life Insurance for the armed forces personnel covered the year 2021 to 2022 and the beneficiaries span all the states of the federation.

Speaking during the presentation, Gen Magashi told the families of the slain personnel that “the federal government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot repay you for your loved ones who paid the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

“This cheque we are presenting, we believe they are not enough but it is to let you know we appreciate the services of your loved ones to the country. We will continue to cherish them. So what we have done today, I think is a step in the right direction.

“Your loved ones, I believe they have done the country proud. To those (families) they left behind, I believe the country will not forget you. This money is not enough but think about how best to use it to better the lot particularly the children.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana assured all those yet to be captured in the payment of the group life insurance will be eventually paid as soon as the processes are concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Cynthia Dusu, wife of late Major Gen Dusu thanked the federal government and the management of the Ministry of Defence as well as the military establishment for fulfilling the insurance policy.

“I am particularly happy about the smooth process that the cheques were given to us. It will go a long way to ameliorating the challenges many of the families are facing.

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