2nd December, 2021
By Jethro Ibileke
Edo State Government on Wednesday fulfilled its promise of payment of N1 million each to four families of police officers who paid the Supreme price in the line of duty, almost three years ago.
The slain police officers, Rufus Ojo Kosemani (DPO), Justina Aghomo, Isaac Sadoh and Glory David, were killed by gunmen on March 12, 2019, in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area of the State, when the police station in the town was attacked by the gunmen.
The State Commissioner of Police, Philip Ogbadu, handed the cheques to the family of the slain officers.
Presenting the cheques, CP Ogbadu said that the money was made available by the Edo State Government, as fulfillment of its earlier promise to families when the incident occurred.
He added that the police station was also rebuilt by the State Government, and is already in use.
The CP who stated that the loss was a great one to police and Nigeria at large, prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
He said: “On March 12, 2019, gunmen attacked the police station in Afuze, killing the DPO and three other officers.
“Governor Godwin Obaseki visited and promise to compensate the families of the slain officers and rebuild the station.
“I pray that the family will continue to have the fortitude to bear the great loss. It is not easy at this time.
“However, I must commend the Governor for the kind gesture and implore other governors to emulate the kind gesture,” he added.
Wife of the late DPO, Mary Kosemani, commended the Edo State Government for the gesture. She however stated that she expected more compensation.
“I have four kids and I was hoping to get more compensation. I, however, commend the State Government for fulfilling the promise they made to us,” she added.
On his part, Harrison, the eldest son of the late Isaac Sadoh thanked God for the cheque and commended the State Government for the gesture.
He also stated that he expected more due to the fact that he has been taking care of his six younger ones since his father died.