The Sokoto government on Sunday donated N38.25 million and bags of grains to the families of 24 fallen soldiers and 57 injured personnel in recognition of their sacrifices in service.

The donation was presented by the secretary to the state government, Bello Sifawa. Items distributed include rice, maize and millet.

Mr Sifawa said the sacrifices of soldiers in protecting lives, maintaining peace, and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity deserve recognition and appreciation.

He noted that the donation reflected the state government’s solidarity with the military and its commitment to supporting personnel who risk their lives and the families of those who lost their lives in the discharge of their duties.

Mr Sifawa expressed the government’s sympathy with the families of the fallen soldiers and wished the injured personnel a speedy recovery, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

Mr Sifawa, accompanied by the special adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on security matters, Ahmed Usman, and other government officials, said the state government recognised the military’s critical role in addressing insecurity and protecting residents.

“Under the arrangement, each family of the 24 deceased soldiers will receive N1 million, while each of the 57 injured personnel will receive N250,000. Government also donated 105 bags of rice, maize and millet, with two bags of grain allocated to the family of every fallen soldier and one bag to every injured soldier,” Mr Sifawa explained.

Receiving the items, the garrison commander, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Brig.-Gen. I.O. Amah, described the gesture as heartwarming and a source of consolation to the military. He said the donation demonstrated the state government’s appreciation for the sacrifices soldiers make to protect lives and maintain security.

“It is indeed heartwarming and consoling that the governor values the lives of our soldiers. No amount can replace a life, but that singular gesture of reciprocity is what we value,” he said.

Mr Amah thanked the governor for supporting the military despite the competing demands of governance and the security challenges facing the state.

(NAN)