Alia moves to ease pain of 76 fallen heroes’ families

It was tears and relief in Makurdi as Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, disbursed N380 million to families of 76 security operatives killed while combating insecurity between 2024 and 2025.

Each bereaved family got N5 million, alongside promises of scholarships for children and business support for widows.

Alia, while presenting the cheques, said the gesture was a mark of gratitude for the fallen heroes’ “supreme sacrifice.”

He recalled the pain of grieving families, citing the case of a nursing mother whose child would never know its father.

“Their memories will continue to be a blessing to us. We will not leave anyone behind. Your children will continue their education through scholarships, and your families will remain on the state’s protocol list,” the governor assured.

Alia stressed that government support would go beyond money, promising sustainable opportunities for widows and periodic visits to affected households.

The governor also commended the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Civil Defence Command for their commitment to restoring peace, while praising President Bola Tinubu for his backing.

Earlier, the Director General of Homeland Security, Col. Jacob Gbawuan (rtd), disclosed that the slain operatives cut across the police, military, Civil Defence, and the state-owned Community Volunteer Guards.

He described them as heroes who must never be forgotten.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, hailed the governor’s intervention as “spectacular” and “unprecedented,” saying it would bring succour to grieving families and boost the morale of serving officers.