Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has led a delegation on a condolence visit to the bereaved family of late Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkushu, who was killed in an ambush by insurgents in the state, recently.
The Governor met the family at Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna, during which he directed the immediate release of N20m as support to the family.
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Zulum’s spokesman, Isa Gusau who confirmed this in a statement, added that support will be made to the families of the soldiers who also died with General Zirkushu.
The Governor’s entourage included Borno’s Senators, Kashim Shettima, Mohammed Ali Ndume and Abubakar Kyari.
Also included were the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, and two Members of the House of Representatives, Haruna Mshelia and Ahmad Jaha, who both represent constituencies that include Chibok, where the late General Zirkushu commanded the 28 Task Force Brigade, and Askira-Uba which was attacked by insurgents, and where the General died.
Zulum met Mrs Blessing Zirkushu, the widow of the late General and her five children, after being received by Mr Gurdebil Zirkushu, a brother of the late General, among other family members.
Governor Zulum consoled the family and urged them to take solace in the heroic legacy bequeathed to them by the late General.
Zulum said the people of Borno will remain eternally grateful for the sacrifice of the late general and other soldiers who died with him, along with the many others who made similar sacrifices.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has also announced a donation of N2m to also support the family of the late General Zirkushu.
Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, announced the donation, shortly after Governor Zulum released N20m to the family.
Aruwan said Kaduna’s support is to compliment Borno in reaching out to the late General’s bereaved family.
The Kaduna Garrison Commander, Brigadier General T. Opuene, who spoke on behalf of the family and the Nigerian Army, appreciated the governor and his delegation for travelling from Maiduguri to visit the family.
He is described Zulum as a compassionate leader, whose support for the military is well known.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)