Tuesday, 18 May 2021: The Rivers State Government has redeemed its pledge of N280 million to families of 14 security personnel murdered during a recent attack on security formations in parts of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, on behalf of the state governor, presented cheques to 11 widows of Police officers at the State Police Command on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Cheques were also presented to family members of two bereaved personnel of the Nigerian Airforce, respectively, at the Nigerian Airforce Base

A widow of a deceased Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NCDC) personnel also received the cheque.

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers had announced the donation of N20 million to each family of the slain officers during a condolence visit to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Friday Eboka.

Danagogo said the gesture was in fulfillment of the governor’s earlier promise to alleviate the plight of the widows of affected personnel and their children.

He said: “His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike deeply sympathises with you. We know there is nothing else he can do to bring your husbands, fathers and brothers back to you.

“But he has asked me to tell you that in situations like this, we look unto God and pray that God will continue to support you and show his grace to you.

“He wants you to know that your husbands and fathers did not die in vain but died for their fatherland and God will certainly take care of all that concerns them.

“Men may not be able to do much to assuage your feelings but be rest assured that God Almighty will take care of you.

“The Governor has asked us to bring this token of N20 million each to the widows and children of the deceased security personnel.

“Our role as a Government is to always identify with people who make sacrifices for the good of humanity, the good of Nigeria and the State.