The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday presented N27.8m cheques to 35 family members of Police personnel in Abia Command who died or sustained injuries in the line of duty.
It was gathered that the recipients were beneficiaries of the Police Insurance scheme.
IGP Egbetokun while presenting the cheques to the benefiting families and individuals at the state Command Headquarters, disclosed that 32 out of the beneficiaries were deceased, while three sustained injuries during the discharge of their duties.
The police chief who was represented by the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, expressed sadness over the death of the policemen.
He charged the benefiting families to make judicious use of the money to ease off their financial burdens, assuring that the service would not abandon the families of affected officers.
“The IGP is deeply saddened by the loss of these brave men who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our communities…”
“We understand that the loss of a loved one is never easy, and it is our moral duty to support and stand beside the families of these fallen heroes.
“Today, we hope that these cheques will help ease the financial burden that may come with such loss. We believe that you will make judicious use of this token.
“As a police force. we are committed to taking care of our own. ‘The IGP is particularly committed to providing support to the families of our fallen officers and ensuring that they are not left behind.
“We also take this opportunity to remember the sacrifices that these officers made in the line of duty.
“Their memory will forever remain in our hearts, and we will honour their legacy by continuing to serve and protect our communities with utmost dedication and commitment,” he said.
Some members of the benefitting families who spoke to our correspondent described the death of their loved ones as unfortunate.
They thanked the IGP and Abia State Police Commissioner for the various roles that they played in making sure the entitlements of their loved ones were paid without much difficulty.