News
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has donated ₦50 million to the family of late Lieutenant Colonel OC Okolo, who was killed during a Boko Haram attack in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, on February 16, 2026.
The gesture comes amid a series of similar interventions by the governor, including a recent ₦150 million donation to families of three military officers who lost their lives in separate attacks across the state.
Zulum reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting families of fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifices as invaluable to Nigeria’s security and unity. He assured that his government would continue to identify with and assist families of personnel killed or declared missing in action in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The donation was delivered at a funeral service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Firiday. The governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (Rtd), who presented the cash on behalf of the Borno State Government.
Speaking through his representative, Zulum expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s death.
He said: “Lt. Col OC Okolo was a gallant, dedicated and committed officer of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” while extending condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
He also prayed for the repose of the late officer’s soul and for strength for the bereaved family.
Responding on behalf of the family, Stanley Okolo expressed profound gratitude to the governor for the support and solidarity shown during their time of grief.
@The family members were particularly touched by the cash donation and the delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service despite the short notice,” he said.
He further commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, for sending representatives to honour the late officer.
The funeral was attended by senior military representatives, including Brigadier General G.A. Suru, representing the Chief of Army Staff, and Brigadier General I.P. Omoke, who represented the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the host community.
The donation underscores ongoing efforts by the Borno State Government to recognise and support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on June 30 by troops of the 20 Model Battalion deployed in Gassol, in collaboration with a team from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The sources said the joint team conducted the intelligence-led raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout at Kwatan Nanido Village following credible information on illegal arms activities in the area.
Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned at the location.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the suspected gunrunning syndicate as operations continue to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Fulani community leader, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, in Ohimini Local Government Area, urging residents to remain calm as investigations into his killing continue.
The condolence visit took place on Tuesday and was led by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia.
The delegation included the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), other security agencies and relatives of the deceased from different parts of the country.
During the visit, the delegation sympathised with the bereaved family and appealed to them and members of the Fulani community not to resort to self-help or reprisals.
They urged them to allow security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The delegation assured the family that the government and security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible for the homicide are identified and brought to justice.
Police authorities said the case was under active investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), adding that efforts were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Benue State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and called on all residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cattle herders were reportedly killed and one other injured in an ambush by unidentified gunmen while grazing livestock in Gero-Rafin Bauna area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack.
Babayo called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the bodies of the three victims were discovered in a forest after an extensive search by members of the community.
He alleged that the victims were brutally killed during the attack.
The MACBAN chairman further claimed that the latest incident came barely two weeks after four other herders were reportedly killed in the same general area, adding that their bodies had yet to be recovered.
Babayo urged the authorities to take urgent steps to improve security in vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
He also appealed to members of the affected communities to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain unclear.
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
