From Dauda R Pam Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Wednesday, led a high powered delegation on a condolence visit to the family of late Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu at Ribadu cantonement Kaduna.
Special Adviser to the state Governor, Mal Isa Umar Gusau in a statement explained that an immediate release of N20million was made to support the family, added that support will also be made to families of soldiers who died alongside General Zirkushu.
According to the statement, Governor Zulum was received at the airport by Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, and Garrison Commander of the Nigerian Army One Division, Brigadier General T. Opuene.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit to the General’s family by Senators, Kashim Shettima, Mohammed Ali Ndume and Abubakar Kyari,the State Chairman of APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, and two Members of House of the Representatives, Dr. Haruna Mshelia and Ahmad Jaha, representing their constituencies that include Chibok where late General Zirkushu was commanding the 28 Task Force Brigade, and Askira-Uba which was attacked by insurgents, for which the General died.
On hand to receive the Governor, were the widow of the late General, Mrs Blessing and her five children as well as Mr Gurdebil Zirkushu, a brother to the late General among other family members where he consoled the family and urged them to take solace in the heroic legacy bequeathed to them by the late General.
Gov.Zulum said the people of Borno will remain eternally grateful for the sacrifice of the late general and other soldiers who died with him, along with many others who made similar sacrifices as well as those in the front lines.
Similarly, the Kaduna State Government through commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, announced a donation of N2m to also support the family of late General Zirkushu.
He said the support was to compliment Borno state government in reaching out to the bereaved family.
Responding on behalf of the family and Nigerian Army, Brigadier General T. Opuene, appreciated the governor and his delegation for traveling from Maiduguri to visit the family and described as a compassionate leader whose support for the military is known to everyone.
Recall in September 2020, the BORNO state government donated a similar amount of N20m to support the widow and orphans left behind by late Col. Dahiru Chiroma Bako, who died from gun wounds sustained while battling Boko Haram insurgents.
Col. Bako was Commander, 25 Task Force Brigade, of then “Operation Lafiya Dole” in charge of Damboa and the surrounding axis in southern Borno.
