By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has redeemed his pledge to the family of late Col. DC DC Bako and three other soldiers who died with the senior Army officer in the course of defending their beloved country.
The governor, at the burial of late Col. Bako on Tuesday, had made a pledge of N20 million to the family of the officer and N2 million each to those of three soldiers who also died.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed this in a statement he sent to The DEFENDER on Wednesday.
According to Col. Musa, “The Governor redeemed the pledge when he visited the wife of our fallen hero, Col Bako this morning in Maiduguri, at about 0910 hrs. He was received by the Acting GOC, 7 Division Brig Gen AK Ibrahim. The Governor consoled the wife and family members of Col Bako, and prayed for the repose of the late senior officer and the 3 other soldiers who paid the supreme prize along with him. He described him as a great patriot and formidable commander.
“The Governor used the opportunity to present a Cheque of 20 million naira to Mrs Bako, which he earlier pledged and also promised to redeem his pledge of getting the family a house.
“The governor also donated 2 million naira each to the 3 deceased soldiers; they are – Lance Corporal Nwobuji Desmond, Lance Corporal Adebiyi Oluwaseye and Private Aliyu Ibrahim, whom he described as gallant and patriotic soldiers par excellence. Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE hereby on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army extend our immense appreciation to His Excellency the Governor of Borno State for the kind gesture.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to once again assure Nigerians of its continuous determination and commitment to ending terrorism and other insecurities in Nigeria,” the Army Spokesman said.
