ASABA – Thirty-five families of police officers who died in active service have received a combined sum of ₦37,663,936 from the Inspector-General of Police Family Welfare Scheme and the Group Life Assurance programme.
The cheques were presented by the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, during a solemn ceremony at the Command Headquarters in Asaba.
CP Abaniwonda described the gesture as a demonstration of the Force’s commitment to the welfare of both serving and late officers’ families.
“The nation and the Nigeria Police Force deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by your loved ones. Though they are gone, they remain part of our collective history,” he told the gathering.
One of the recipients, Miss Chidinma Paul, expressed gratitude to the IGP, saying the funds would go a long way toward supporting her family’s upkeep and education.
Stakeholders React in Follow-Up Interviews
Following the presentation, Fresh Facts Magazine spoke with various stakeholders to gauge public sentiment about the scheme.
Chief Michael Onajite, a Warri-based community leader and security advocate, praised the initiative but called for more sustained support.
“This is a welcome step, but these families need ongoing assistance. Housing, education scholarships for children, and healthcare packages would make the welfare scheme more impactful,” he said.
Mrs. Omowunmi Abaniwonda, Chairperson of the Delta State Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), emphasised the symbolic value of the payments.
“No amount of money can bring back their loved ones, but gestures like this tell the families they are still part of the police family,” she said.
Security analyst Dr. Tunde Ajayi noted that the gesture reflects a shift in policing priorities.
“We’re seeing a leadership that is paying attention to welfare. That’s crucial for morale, especially in a Force that often faces life-threatening duties,” he told Fresh Facts.
However, Mrs. Chika Ezenwa, a human rights lawyer in Asaba, stressed that the welfare scheme should be backed by robust compensation laws.
“There needs to be a legal framework that guarantees these benefits, so they are not dependent on leadership goodwill alone,” she argued.
The follow-up interviews reveal both appreciation for the current welfare drive and calls for deeper, more structured support for the families of Nigeria’s fallen officers.
