The Kano State Police Command has disbursed N7.57 million in insurance benefits to the families and next-of-kin of 17 police officers who died in the line of duty.
The cheques, totalling N7,573,231.83, were presented on Monday by the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, at the command headquarters in Bompai, Kano.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday night, explaining that the payments were made under the Group Life Assurance Scheme.
According to the statement, the disbursement forms part of the welfare initiatives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at supporting the families of officers who lost their lives while performing their duties.
“It is among other benefits being enjoyed by families of the fallen heroes under the IGP’s comprehensive welfare scheme,” the statement said.
Presenting the cheques on behalf of the inspector-general, Bakori said the initiative demonstrated the police force’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices made by officers who died in service.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to the welfare of serving personnel, deceased officers’ families and their dependants.
The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously and maintain relationships with the friends and associates of their deceased relatives.
“Every soul shall taste death. While I urge the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the benefits, you should try to visit the friends of your relatives. The end of their life should not be the end of the good relationship you had with their friends. My door is always open to render any assistance if needed,” Bakori said.
He assured the beneficiaries that the command would continue to prioritise the welfare of police personnel and work towards the prompt processing and payment of entitlements to the families of deceased and injured officers.
Bakori also disclosed that the command was planning additional welfare packages for families of fallen officers.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Ado Sule, who received a cheque on behalf of his deceased wife, thanked the inspector-general and the Kano police commissioner for the support. He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers.
Members of the command’s management team, senior police officers and relatives of the deceased attended the presentation.
