The Sokoto State Government has disbursed ₦38.25m to families of 24 soldiers killed in service and 57 military personnel injured while carrying out their duties, alongside 315 bags of rice, maize and millet, as part of efforts to recognise their sacrifices in tackling insecurity.
The financial assistance, presented on behalf of the government by the Secretary to the State Government, Bello Sifawa, is intended to provide relief to families who lost their loved ones and personnel recovering from injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Under the arrangement, each family of a fallen soldier received ₦1m, amounting to ₦24m, while the 57 injured personnel received ₦250,000 each, totalling ₦14.25m. The cash support therefore amounted to ₦38.25m.
The distribution also included 105 bags each of rice, maize and millet, bringing the total quantity of food items to 315 bags. Each family of a deceased soldier received two bags of each grain, while every injured soldier received one bag each of rice, maize and millet.
Sifawa presented the items alongside the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), and other government officials.
He said the intervention reflected the state government’s appreciation of the military’s contribution to protecting residents, maintaining peace and defending the country’s territorial integrity.
The SSG said personnel who risk their lives in the discharge of their responsibilities deserved recognition and support, particularly when their service resulted in death or serious injury.
He also expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased soldiers and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery, assuring the beneficiaries that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
Sifawa acknowledged the military’s role in addressing security challenges in Sokoto and other parts of the country, noting the importance of supporting those who bear the consequences of security operations.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, the division’s Garrison Commander, Brig.-Gen. I.O. Amah, described the gesture as heartwarming and a source of consolation to serving personnel and affected families.
Amah said the support demonstrated the governor’s recognition of the risks soldiers face while protecting communities and confronting criminal elements.
“It is indeed heartwarming and consoling that Your Excellency values the lives of our soldiers. Of course, no amount can replace a life, but that singular gesture of reciprocity is what we value,” he said.
The military commander thanked Aliyu for extending assistance to the personnel and their families despite the competing demands of governance and the security challenges confronting the state.
He said the intervention would encourage serving soldiers and offer some relief to families dealing with the loss of relatives or the effects of injuries sustained during military duties.
Amah also prayed for divine wisdom and strength for the governor and other leaders to guide Sokoto towards greater development. He further prayed for the military to overcome criminal elements responsible for insecurity in the state.
The donation comes as parts of the North-West continue to face security challenges involving armed groups and other criminal networks. Military personnel deployed in affected areas face the risks of death and injury, while their families may experience financial and emotional hardship following casualties.
Although the intervention provides immediate financial and food assistance, the state government did not disclose the funding source or indicate whether the support would become a recurring programme for military personnel and their families.
West Trybe reports that the ₦38.25m cash package and food distribution cover 81 beneficiaries comprising families of 24 fallen soldiers and 57 injured personnel. The intervention highlights the role state governments can play in supporting military families, while sustained assistance and rehabilitation remain important for those affected by the human cost of security operations.
