While the flag flies at half mast, the IGP disburses Life Assurance benefits
On Sunday, March 17, 2024, seventeen Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State by enraged youths.
General Christopher Mustapha, the Chief of Defence Staff, in respect to their demise, ordered the usual military ritual to be carried out. In military tradition, flags are to be flown at half-mast in all military locations across the federation. This, however, extends to other tripartite military services—the Nigerian Air Force, the Army, and the Navy—and took effect on Monday, March 18, 2024.
The flag is flown at half-mast as a solemn tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives protecting our nation.
On Monday, March 18, 2024, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in commiserating with the seven hundred and twenty-seven members of the deceased policemen, issued them the monetary benefit of their Life Assurance balance. The cheques issued were N55.7 million to 311 beneficiaries for the remaining Life Assurance balance for 2021/2022, N761 million for the 15 and 16 batches of Life Assurance 2021/2022, and N567 million to 78 beneficiaries of a full life assurance policy payment for 2022/2023.
During the disbursement, he shared the word, “Today’s ceremony stands as a poignant testament to the unwavering dedication of the current police leadership towards the welfare of the families of our fallen colleagues. It serves as a solemn pledge to all serving personnel that neither the nation nor the Force will abandon them. We are poised to distribute cheques across five distinct categories, reflecting our diverse commitment to the beneficiaries.”
These men (military and paramilitary) died in active service, hence the mourning ritual, the benefits given to the families they left behind, and their subsequent befitting burial.
By Chidimma NWAFOR
