A Lifeline For The Left Behind

Service to fatherland often demands the ultimate sacrifice, leaving families shattered and vulnerable. The recent spate of attacks on security personnel in Abia State has resulted in the tragic loss of lives, leaving behind bereaved families struggling to cope with the reality of life without their bread winners.

The loss of a breadwinner is devastating, and for these widows, the pain is compounded by the harsh realities of sudden loneliness, financial insecurity, and uncertain futures. The Grief, anxiety, and depression, aggravated by the violent nature of their husbands' deaths in addition to community sympathy that gives way to social isolation add to their vulnerability.

In Abia State, the attacks on security men within the commercial hub of Aba and other areas in the state by unknown gunmen left some policemen paying the ultimate price. The families would always fall back to any benefit from the force.

However, The Peace Fund for Victims of Insecurity in Nigeria, inaugurated by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu, as part of the Peace in South East Initiative Project (PISE P), offers a glimmer of hope. This initiative provides much-needed support to these families, acknowledging the sacrifices made by their loved ones.

The Committee, upon inauguration, had set about profiling would-be recipients and making necessary arrangements prior to commencement of its operations. The arrangements included interfacing with the security high-command to get their support and buy-in as well as getting necessary records from the Commands in each State of its operation.

Having concluded its preliminary documentation, the Fund, on Saturday in Umuahia, Abia State, commenced the distribution of cash and relief items to identified victims.

In its inaugural outing at the Abia State Police Command Headquarters in Umuahia, the representatives of the Fund provided cash and relief materials to 14 families of slain security officials who died while serving in Abia State. Five profiled Families got cash of 1 Million Naira each and food items while another 9 got food items while the fund verifies their records for cash disbursement.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Secretary of the Peace Fund for Victims of Insecurity, Mary Ikoku noted that the Fund was created to provide succor to families of security officials who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. She stated that although an initiative of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Fund has attracted the support of other well-meaning Nigerians who have donated generously to the Fund.

Also speaking at the event, the Publicity Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Sam Hart, thanked the Abia State Police Command for their warm reception of the delegation and for going the extra mile to ensure the success of the mission of the delegation noting that such synergy between the security agencies and the civil population was what was needed to foster a new paradigm in the country.

In his speech while welcoming the delegation, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Command, CP Danladi Isah extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for his vision in setting up the Fund.

The State Commissioner of Police equally appreciated all the donors who have so far donated to the Fund and urged more donors to support the initiative as it will serve as a morale booster to serving Policemen to know that their families will not be forgotten should they pay the ultimate price in the line of duty.

The CP noted that the Police, under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, has rolled out a number of laudable welfare schemes to support serving and deceased Policemen but encouraged the populace to continue to do whatever they can to support the Police who are facing daily danger while securing the people.

Those who spoke on behalf of the recipients and in appreciation of the gesture of the Deputy Speaker and the Peace Fund include the Secretary of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) in Abia State, Mrs. Helen Okoye and the President of the Late Police Officers Wives Association (LAPOWA) in Abia State, Mrs. Vivian Nwogbe.

It will be recalled that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, had in June this year, inaugurated a seven-man Peace Fund Committee to help raise financial assistance for the victims of insecurity in the South-east region and Nigeria as a whole. 

Kalu had kick-started the activities of the Fund by donating N10 million during his condolence visit to the families of soldiers who were killed in action at the 144 Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. He thereafter inaugurated a Committee to oversee the Fund and expand the window of beneficiaries.

Kalu further charged the committee to ensure that accurate demographic data of the affected families was gathered, adding that they also have his mandate to reach out to spirited individuals, corporate organisations and agencies in the society to appeal for their support to the Fund. 

He said: “Remembering the widows and family members of our fallen heroes in the security forces will make them proud that their husbands did not labour in vain and motivate those still serving to give their all on their job. 

“Your mandate also extends to communities that have been ravaged by insecurity to provide succour to them and restore their hope. You are the kick-starters of the project. Your committee will soon be expanded to accommodate other interests and critical stakeholders. 

“You are starting from the South-east but your mandate will extend beyond the region in due course. Ensure you work with data and remain above board at all times. I have no doubt that with the calibre of people on the committee, you will meet our expectations.”

Well-meaning Nigerians have since generously donated to the Fund in support of the objective and the Committee has begun disbursements.