The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has disbursed ₦39,967,409.28 in welfare cheques to the families and next of kin of 51 deceased police officers.

The intervention was aimed at cushioning the impact of the officers’ deaths while recognising their service and sacrifices to the Nigeria Police Force and the country.

The cheques were presented by the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s welfare support for families of deceased personnel.

Azare said the financial assistance could not replace the lives lost but demonstrated the Force’s continued recognition of the sacrifices made by the deceased officers and its commitment to supporting their families.

> “While no amount of money can replace the lives of our departed colleagues, this intervention demonstrates that the Nigeria Police Force has not forgotten their service, sacrifice, or the families they left behind,” he said.

The commissioner conveyed the condolences of the Inspector-General of Police and the state command to the bereaved families.

He also urged the beneficiaries to use the funds prudently, particularly towards the welfare, education and development of their families and dependants.

Among the beneficiaries were Edidiong Enoh Umoh, Edidiong Umem Okon, Praise Ochanya Paul, David Umem Okon, Emem Enoh Umoh, Eno Obong Monday I, Nwobodo Nwanganga, Uwakiafoe Itoro Udo, Favour Miracle I, Emem Udak Okon, Godspower Udak Okon, Emmanuel Ndiereka A., Rose Ndifreke Archbong and Stephen Meshak Ugo, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Aniedi Joseph Etuk thanked the Inspector-General of Police and CP Azare for prioritising the welfare of families of fallen officers.

Etuk assured the commissioner that the beneficiaries would make judicious use of the financial assistance.

The presentation highlights the police institution’s welfare responsibility towards families left behind by personnel who died after serving under demanding circumstances.