By FEMI OSINUSI

Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday announced a donation of a house and N20 million to the widow and children of Colonel Dahiru Bako who died from wounds sustained during an ambush on his troops while battling Boko Haram on Sunday morning.

Bako, described by Zulum as a fallen warrior, was Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade of Operation Lafiya Dole in charge of Damboa and surrounding axis in southern Borno. He died at a military hospital in Maiduguri on Monday.

Zulum, at the burial of the commander in Maiduguri on Tuesday, which was also attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, and other government officials, paid tributes and announced house and cash donation to the immediate family of the deceased.

“Indeed it is a very sad moment, this is not a loss to the family of Colonel Dahiru Chiroma Bako alone, not to the Nigerian military, it is a loss to Borno and indeed Nigeria.

“Colonel Bako was a gallant and dogged military officer, under whose watch Damboa was never defeated. He was humble and committed in discharging his duties, he is part of the success recorded in degrading Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State.

“He has been one of the greatest in trying to stabilise not only Borno but even the neighbouring Yobe State. We will remember his contributions forever, may almighty Allah reward him, and forgive him.

“I am reliably informed that Col. Bako did not have a house of his own. We cannot ignore the family he left behind. We share their grief and nothing can equal his life. Nevertheless, I am pleased to announce that Borno State government will build a befitting house for the family of Colonel Bako.

“I was also told that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has offered a scholarship to his children, we will also support the family to complement the efforts of the military.

“For the welfare of his family, Borno State government will release the sum of N20 million as support for them. A cheque to the effect will be ready later today or tomorrow morning,” Zulum said. (Nigerian Tribune)

•Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum

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