Kalu’s Peace Fund supports 14 families of fallen officers in Abia

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The Peace Fund for Victims of Insecurity in Nigeria has provided cash and relief materials to 14 families of slain security officials who lost their lives while serving in Abia State.

The Publicity Secretary of the fund, Mr. Sam Hart, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that five of the profiled families received N1 million each and food items, while another nine received food items as 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 established to provide succor to families of security officials who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

She explained that although the initiative was spearheaded by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has attracted support from other well-meaning Nigerians who have donated generously to the fund.

Also speaking at the event, Hart thanked the Abia State Police Command for their warm reception and for going the extra mile to ensure the delegation’s mission was successful. He emphasised that such synergy between security agencies and the civil population is essential to foster a new paradigm in the country.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police for the Abia State Police Command, CP Danladi Isah, expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his vision in setting up the fund.

The Commissioner also appreciated all donors who have contributed to the fund and urged more people to support the initiative, noting that it serves as a morale booster for serving policemen, reassuring them that their families will not be forgotten if they pay the ultimate price in the line of duty.

He further noted that under the leadership of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, the police have introduced several welfare schemes to support both serving and deceased personnel. However, he encouraged the public to continue supporting the police, who face daily dangers in their efforts to protect the people.

Representatives of the recipients, including Mrs. Helen Okoye, Secretary of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) in Abia State, and Mrs. Vivian Nwogbe, President of the Late Police Officers Wives Association (LAPOWA) in Abia State, expressed their gratitude to the Deputy Speaker and the Peace Fund for the kind gesture.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of cheques and relief items to the widows of policemen who died in the line of duty.

Following the event in Abia State, the Peace Fund delegation proceeded to Imo State and will continue its outreach to Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States.

The activities of the fund are expected to extend to other parts of the country affected by insecurity.

It will be recalled that in June this year, the Deputy Speaker Kaku inaugurated a seven-member Peace Fund Committee to raise financial assistance for victims of insecurity in the South-East region and across Nigeria.

Kalu initiated the fund by donating N10 million during a condolence visit to the families of soldiers killed in action at the 144 Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State. He later inaugurated a committee to oversee the fund and expand the pool of beneficiaries.

The committee members include Chief Daniel Akwari as Chairman and Mrs. Mary Ikoku as Secretary. Other members are former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Azubuike (Treasurer), and Mr. Sam Ifeanyi Hart, mni (Publicity Secretary). Additional members include former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, as well as Hon. Jaafaru Leko and Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed, representing federal constituencies in Bauchi and Kebbi States, respectively.

Kalu tasked the committee with gathering accurate demographic data on the affected families and mandated them to engage individuals, corporate organisations, and agencies for further support.

He said: “Remembering the widows and family members of our fallen heroes will show that their sacrifices were not in vain and motivate those still serving to give their best on the job.

“Your mandate also covers communities ravaged by insecurity to provide succour and restore hope. As the pioneers of this project, your committee will soon be expanded to include other stakeholders.

“You are starting in the South-East, but your mandate will eventually extend beyond the region. Ensure you work with accurate data and maintain the highest standards at all times. With the calibre of people on this committee, I am confident you will meet our expectations.”