Kote Obe, Rivers State
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has given the families of three policemen killed on duty in the state last year a total of N30 million.
The slain policemen were Inspectors Isaac Isodje, Saviour Udeh and Ebenezer Edward who served under the Diobu Division of the State Command. They were killed by armed men while on a stop and search duty in November last year.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, who presented the cheques on behalf of the governor, said the gesture was Wike’s demonstration of his commitment to ensure that the families of policemen who died while serving the state do not suffer.
“This is a token of love from Governor Nyesom Wike to the families of our fallen heroes who died serving the state. Though money cannot replace a life lost, it is a way of showing love to our departed officers and their families. It is also our own way to show our commitment to all officers and men who are serving in Rivers State that the State Government will always be behind them no matter the situation they find themselves.
“So, the amount here is a token of love from the Governor as a man who has human’s heart, kindness, and compassion to cushion the impact of this great loss,” Nsirim said.
Nsirim said the Governor recognised the value of service the police officer rendered to the State and conveyed the condolences of Governor Wike to the State Police Command and the bereaved families.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Mr. Ebuka Friday, who described Governor Wike’s monetary support to the families of the fallen officers as an uncommon gesture, expressed the gratitude of the command to the governor.
He recalled that two of the officers were killed while carrying out a stop and search operation in the Diobu area of the State capital on November 2, while the third officer was killed on November 9, last year, while on an operation to apprehend the killers of the two officers.
Responding on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Isaac Okeoghene, son of one of the deceased, thanked Governor Wike for the gesture and prayed that God will reward him in due time.
