In a poignant display of solidarity and compassion, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, presented cheques totaling Forty-Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-Nine Naira (#47,827,529) to twenty-two families of deceased officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The ceremony, held on 24th April 2024, underscored the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to prioritize the welfare of its personnel, both serving and departed.
The poignant gesture, a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Force to honor its fallen heroes, saw CP Abaniwonda personally handing over the cheques to the next of kin of the fallen officers. These funds, disbursed under the IGP Family Welfare Scheme, Group Life Assurance, and Group Personal Accident Insurance Schemes, serve as a tangible acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served the nation with courage and distinction.
Addressing the solemn gathering, CP Abaniwonda reiterated the Inspector General’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of every officer within the force. He emphasized that the presentation of the cheques symbolizes not only financial support but also a heartfelt recognition of the enduring legacy left by the fallen officers. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the IGP for their service and assured the bereaved families that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
The ceremony, attended by senior police officials including Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration DCP Tokunbo Afolabi, served as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers in the discharge of their duties. It also underscored the profound sense of camaraderie and solidarity that binds the police fraternity together in times of both triumph and tragedy.
In response, one of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude to the IGP for his benevolence, acknowledging the significance of the financial assistance in easing the burden faced by the families of the fallen officers. The funds, she noted, would be utilized judiciously to provide for the needs of the families and honor the memory of their loved ones.
The ceremony served as a poignant testament to the enduring bond between the Nigerian Police Force and the communities it serves, reaffirming the commitment of the force to uphold the welfare and honor of its personnel, both in life and in memory.