Wike Redeems N200Million Pledge To Families Of 10 Security Agents Killed By IPOB

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has redeemed his promise to give N20 Million to the family of each of the ten security personnel killed by members of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Wike had on Wednesday last week during a condolence visit to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, announced the donation of N20million to families of each of the four policemen and six soldiers killed by IPOB members in Oyigbo.

The cheques were presented to the bereaved widows at the State Police Command and 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Governor Wike said the gesture was in fulfilment of his earlier promise to alleviate the plight of the widows and their children.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the governor described the murder of the security personnel by IPOB members as unacceptable and should be condemned by every right thinking Nigerian.

Governor Wike also told the Commissioner of Police that the state government would not tolerate any terrorist group like IPOB in the state or allow them to kill innocent citizens, particularly policemen and soldiers who are defending and protecting citizens of the state.

“As a Governor who matches his words with action, he has sent us to come and redeem that promise and to present the cheques of N20 Million each to widows of the four police officers killed by IPOB,” he said.

Governor Wike assured the Commissioner of Police that the state would always stand with the police to fight crime.

In his response, the Commissioner of Police, who spoke on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, thanked Governor Wike for fulfilling his promise.

He said the police had recovered and arrested some persons who have made confessional statements. According to him, 22 persons have already been charged to court.

Similarly, at the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike commiserated with the Nigerian Army, the widows and families of the 6 soldiers killed by IPOB.

He said Rivers State Government would ensure that criminal elements who killed the soldiers and cart away their arms and ammunition are arrested and prosecuted.

“The Governor made a pronuncement that he will give a token of 20 Million to each of the widows of the slain soldiers. So, we are here to fulfill that promise to give cheques to the widows so they can be able to survive in the absence of their breadwinners” he said.

In his remarks, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Orlu Irefin, expressed the gratitude on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai and the entire Nigerian Army to the Rivers State Governor for the kind gesture to the widows of the slain soldiers.